Brendan Taylor overtakes Andy Flower to become Zimbabwe’s leading ODI run-scorer

Pakistan to head IMF, World Bank boards after 74 years  amid persistent economic crisis

"The scariest thing was"... flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar recalls cockpit fight and how he thought of his son and daughter

'We are not sitting in ivory towers, we are aware': SC issues notice to Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav

Flying car race: Alef Aeronautics welcomes Tesla Roadster '11 years' later, but are the two models the same?

6-year-old among 2 killed as vehicle crashes into youth soccer game in US

‘I have very severe problems’: Trump fuels health speculation during address to firefighters

US midterm elections 2026: Postal ballots and voter disenfranchisement — A key battle for Donald Trump

Lizard people? Ex-US Army sniper claims soldier killed by 'reptilian beings' in battle near Area 51

‘I don’t know how my family escaped': Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi chokes while revealing he was inside US temple during foiled attack

At least 19 killed in stampede-like situation after part of Kolkata Durga Puja pandal collapses

Rain washes out 5th T20I as India-West Indies share honours 2-2

'Reason UN has lost credibility': Amid SIR protests India hits out at report alleging 'youth repression'

‘My president, I mean my husband’: Trump's new press secretary Katie Zacharia's first briefing goes off the rails in 14 minutes

China responds to Trump's Press Secretary Katie Zacharia after toilet remark: 'Visit China more often'

UAE agrees with Saudi Arabia to rejoin Yemen fight as Houthi strikes rattle Riyadh

PCB omits Atherton, Hussain from tri-series commentary panel over Imran Khan interview row

SA vs AUS 2nd Test: Rain delays start as Rabada returns; Boland replaces Lyon for Australia

At least 400 arrested as protests turn violent in France; PM blames far left

WATCH | iPhones, luxury perfumes floating in Hormuz? Iranian fishermen make bizarre discovery

Two students die, 14 injured at Dandiya event in Hyderabad: Know what happened? VIDEO

'keep telling him you will get your opportunities': Iyer opens up on conversations with Sooryavanshi

‘Be back in few weeks’: Emi Martinez shares first update after head clash in Premier League match

Kolkata Durga Puja stampede: PM Modi announces Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia for kin of dead, Amit Shah to visit injured

Taylor Swift performs at star-studded Academy Museum Gala 2026 in stunning Dior ensemble

Anirudh Ravichander-Kavya Maran wedding: Telangana CM reveals Chennai reception date

Inside Tesla's Roadster: 10 features of Elon Musk's 'flying car' that push the limits of electric vehicles | In Pics

One species, two lineages: Why Sri Lanka’s spectacled cobra differs genetically from Indian variant

Oil tanker carrying over 2M barrels of crude hits mine in Strait of Hormuz, catches fire, says Iran

2 injured in plane crash on busy California highway

'We feel like Mr India': Gujarat’s undercover SHE team guard garba nights at Navratri

'It's a joy to see the makers bring it on such a grand scale': SS Rajamouli on Ramayana

13 dead after truck mows down devotees, crashes into temple gate in Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior

IND-W vs ZIM-W, 2nd T20I: When and where to watch live streaming in India?

Australia received a massive boost ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup, with three of their first-team players, Test captain Pat Cummins, seamer Josh Hazlewood and all-rounder Tim David, all currently recovering from respective injuries, in line to be included in the provisional squad. Cummins, who recovered in time to play the third Ashes Test in Adelaide, opted out of the remainder of the series to work on his ailing back, on which he will have scans in four weeks to determine his chances of featuring in the multi-team tournament.&nbsp;While Hazlewood got ruled out of the Ashes with an Achilles issue, T20 specialist David is out of the remainder of the Big Bash League (BBL) for Hobart Hurricanes with a grade two hamstring strain he sustained during his team’s match on Boxing Day.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-gus-atkinson-ruled-out-of-scg-test-australia-lock-in-usman-khawaja-amid-his-future-uncertainty-1766981676954">Ashes: England quick ruled out of SCG Test; Australia lock in Khawaja amid his future uncertainty</a> &nbsp;Cummins, on the other hand, was out of all cricket action since suffering a lumber stress injury in his back during the away tour of the West Indies in July this year. Although he was far from regaining fitness in time for the home Ashes, per earlier reports, a rapid and early return for the third Test in Adelaide surprised everyone, as he led his team to a win and helped them retain the urn. The Test skipper then swiftly took his name off the squad for the remaining two matches, as he and Cricket Australia weren’t willing to risk his fitness heading into the T20 season. &nbsp;Head coach Andrew McDonald said Australia would name its final 15 before the deadline (Jan 2) but confirmed that the call on Cummins’ selection would be taken closer to the event.&nbsp; &nbsp;"Pat will have a scan, I think, in another four weeks, so that'll give us the information then on where he's at for the World Cup," McDonald said. "He'll be named in the squad of 15, and then we'll get that information as to where he's at." &nbsp;Meanwhile, speaking of Hazlewood and David, McDonald said the lanky quick has returned to bowling in the nets, while assuming that the recovery timeframe in David’s case would allow him to regain fitness for the T20 World Cup, which starts on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka. &nbsp;“Josh is returning to bowl. He looks as though he should be right in terms of possible timeframes,” McDonald said of Hazlewood. &nbsp;"I think the timeframe will be kind on TD as well. So, he should be available no matter what that injury is," McDonald said about Tim David’s injury on Monday.&nbsp;

Cummins and Hazlewood are out of Australia's squad for the fifth and final Ashes Test at the SCG.

Australia received a massive boost ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup, with three of their first-team players, Test captain Pat Cummins, seamer Josh Hazlewood and all-rounder Tim David, all currently recovering from respective injuries, in line to be included in the provisional squad. Cummins, who recovered in time to play the third Ashes Test in Adelaide, opted out of the remainder of the series to work on his ailing back, on which he will have scans in four weeks to determine his chances of featuring in the multi-team tournament. While Hazlewood got ruled out of the Ashes with an Achilles issue, T20 specialist David is out of the remainder of the Big Bash League (BBL) for Hobart Hurricanes with a grade two hamstring strain he sustained during his team’s match on Boxing Day. Also read | Ashes: England quick ruled out of SCG Test; Australia lock in Khawaja amid his future uncertainty Cummins, on the other hand, was out of all cricket action since suffering a lumber stress injury in his back during the away tour of the West Indies in July this year. Although he was far from regaining fitness in time for the home Ashes, per earlier reports, a rapid and early return for the third Test in Adelaide surprised everyone, as he led his team to a win and helped them retain the urn. The Test skipper then swiftly took his name off the squad for the remaining two matches, as he and Cricket Australia weren’t willing to risk his fitness heading into the T20 season. Head coach Andrew McDonald said Australia would name its final 15 before the deadline (Jan 2) but confirmed that the call on Cummins’ selection would be taken closer to the event. "Pat will have a scan, I think, in another four weeks, so that'll give us the information then on where he's at for the World Cup," McDonald said. "He'll be named in the squad of 15, and then we'll get that information as to where he's at." Meanwhile, speaking of Hazlewood and David, McDonald said the lanky quick has returned to bowling in the nets, while assuming that the recovery timeframe in David’s case would allow him to regain fitness for the T20 World Cup, which starts on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka. “Josh is returning to bowl. He looks as though he should be right in terms of possible timeframes,” McDonald said of Hazlewood. "I think the timeframe will be kind on TD as well. So, he should be available no matter what that injury is," McDonald said about Tim David’s injury on Monday.

Cummins and Hazlewood are out of Australia's squad for the fifth and final Ashes Test at the SCG.

2026 T20 World Cup: Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood in line to be included in Australia squad

England have had a tough time on this tour Down Under, having lost the away Ashes inside 11 days and also its three first-team quicks heading into the New Year’s Test in Sydney, the latest of whom is seamer Gus Atkinson, to a hamstring injury. After pacers Mark Wood (knee) and Jofra Archer (side strain) got ruled out after the second and third Test, respectively, the tourists now lost Atkinson, who picked up three wickets across two innings at the MCG, for the fifth Test.&nbsp;Atkinson appeared to strain his hamstring on the second day in Melbourne while bowling the final delivery of his fifth over of Australia’s second innings. The lanky quick left the field immediately and went for the scans; he did not return to the field afterwards and was not required to bat (as England completed the run chase with four wickets remaining).&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-former-england-cricket-team-boss-hugh-morris-dies-aged-62-1766938502390">Former England cricket team boss Hugh Morris dies aged 62</a> &nbsp;England chased 175 on day two to end their 18-match losing streak in Australia, clinching their first Test win Down Under since winning the SCG Test 14 years ago in 2011. &nbsp;Meanwhile, England have opted against roping in his replacement with just one Test remaining, as they have several players warming the benches (to pick from), including two seamers – Matthew Potts and Matthew Fisher, alongside off-spinner Shoaib Bashir.<h3>Khawaja locked in for SCG Test &nbsp;</h3>Amid concerns around his Test future, Usman Khawaja has been locked in (playing XI) for the Sydney Test, head coach Andrew McDonald confirmed in the latest development. He also commented on the rumours of Khawaja, now 39, potentially announcing his international retirement following the final home Test this season, adding that there have been no conversations around this in the lead-up to the SCG Test, and that Khawaja is confirmed to start in the playing XI.&nbsp; &nbsp;"We've been really clear that we haven't had a conversation," McDonald said of Khawaja’s potential retirement announcement. "The speculation has been from the external. He's with his family at the moment, having a couple of days off. &nbsp;"We'll build into Sydney, and we're always having conversations about where players are at and speaking directly with players. And there's no indication at my end that he's calling it in Sydney. &nbsp;"So that'll be something that we'll discuss, but his performance in this calendar year has been good enough to warrant selection, so I'd say he'd be there marking centre in Sydney. &nbsp;"Our challenge is that if any of our great players retire, is that you want to acknowledge them. But until that point in time when you're clear on someone's future, it's very difficult,” he continued. &nbsp;The fifth and final Test begins on Sunday (January 4) at the SCG in Sydney.&nbsp;

In five innings against England this time, Khawaja has scored 153 runs, averaging just over 30. 

England have had a tough time on this tour Down Under, having lost the away Ashes inside 11 days and also its three first-team quicks heading into the New Year’s Test in Sydney, the latest of whom is seamer Gus Atkinson, to a hamstring injury. After pacers Mark Wood (knee) and Jofra Archer (side strain) got ruled out after the second and third Test, respectively, the tourists now lost Atkinson, who picked up three wickets across two innings at the MCG, for the fifth Test. Atkinson appeared to strain his hamstring on the second day in Melbourne while bowling the final delivery of his fifth over of Australia’s second innings. The lanky quick left the field immediately and went for the scans; he did not return to the field afterwards and was not required to bat (as England completed the run chase with four wickets remaining). Also read | Former England cricket team boss Hugh Morris dies aged 62 England chased 175 on day two to end their 18-match losing streak in Australia, clinching their first Test win Down Under since winning the SCG Test 14 years ago in 2011. Meanwhile, England have opted against roping in his replacement with just one Test remaining, as they have several players warming the benches (to pick from), including two seamers – Matthew Potts and Matthew Fisher, alongside off-spinner Shoaib Bashir. Khawaja locked in for SCG Test Amid concerns around his Test future, Usman Khawaja has been locked in (playing XI) for the Sydney Test, head coach Andrew McDonald confirmed in the latest development. He also commented on the rumours of Khawaja, now 39, potentially announcing his international retirement following the final home Test this season, adding that there have been no conversations around this in the lead-up to the SCG Test, and that Khawaja is confirmed to start in the playing XI. "We've been really clear that we haven't had a conversation," McDonald said of Khawaja’s potential retirement announcement. "The speculation has been from the external. He's with his family at the moment, having a couple of days off. "We'll build into Sydney, and we're always having conversations about where players are at and speaking directly with players. And there's no indication at my end that he's calling it in Sydney. "So that'll be something that we'll discuss, but his performance in this calendar year has been good enough to warrant selection, so I'd say he'd be there marking centre in Sydney. "Our challenge is that if any of our great players retire, is that you want to acknowledge them. But until that point in time when you're clear on someone's future, it's very difficult,” he continued. The fifth and final Test begins on Sunday (January 4) at the SCG in Sydney.

In five innings against England this time, Khawaja has scored 153 runs, averaging just over 30.&nbsp;

Ashes: England quick ruled out of SCG Test; Australia lock in Khawaja amid his future uncertainty

Nick Kyrgios beat women's world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the "Battle of the Sexes" on Sunday, in a highly-publicised showdown with modified rules that divided tennis fans.&nbsp;Former Wimbledon finalist Kyrgios won 6-3, 6-3 in an exhibition match in Dubai that bore little resemblance to the era-defining 1973 encounter between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs.&nbsp;Back then, there was more at stake with the nascent women's professional tour, set up by King, fighting for its legitimacy and prize money for female players still far lower than for the men.&nbsp;King, one of the all-time greats of the women's game who was at the peak of her powers, saw off the 55-year-old Riggs, a top player in his day, 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 in Houston.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-leonard-hutton-to-don-bradman-5-batters-with-highest-individual-score-in-ashes-bob-simpson-bob-cowper-ashes-2025-26-1762276944046">From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes</a>&nbsp;On Sunday, each player received only one serve and the dimensions of Sabalenka's side of the court were nine percent smaller, in an attempt to restrict Kyrgios' power and speed advantage.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-steve-smith-to-joe-root-5-active-batters-with-most-runs-in-ashes-ben-stokes-jonny-bairstow-usman-khawaja-1762275784636">From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes</a>&nbsp;Kyrgios has dropped to 671 in the rankings after playing just six ATP matches over the past three seasons, but the 30-year-old Australian still had enough to see off four-time Grand Slam singles champion Sabalenka.&nbsp;"Honestly, it was a really tough match. She's a hell of a competitor," said Kyrgios."I had to strap in because she was putting the pressure on and ultimately it was a really hard-fought battle."&nbsp;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 Wimbledon finalist Kyrgios won 6-3, 6-3 in an exhibition match in Dubai that bore little resemblance to the era-defining 1973 encounter between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs.

Nick Kyrgios beat women's world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the "Battle of the Sexes" on Sunday, in a highly-publicised showdown with modified rules that divided tennis fans. Former Wimbledon finalist Kyrgios won 6-3, 6-3 in an exhibition match in Dubai that bore little resemblance to the era-defining 1973 encounter between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs. Back then, there was more at stake with the nascent women's professional tour, set up by King, fighting for its legitimacy and prize money for female players still far lower than for the men. King, one of the all-time greats of the women's game who was at the peak of her powers, saw off the 55-year-old Riggs, a top player in his day, 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 in Houston. ALSO READ | From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes On Sunday, each player received only one serve and the dimensions of Sabalenka's side of the court were nine percent smaller, in an attempt to restrict Kyrgios' power and speed advantage. ALSO READ | From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes Kyrgios has dropped to 671 in the rankings after playing just six ATP matches over the past three seasons, but the 30-year-old Australian still had enough to see off four-time Grand Slam singles champion Sabalenka. "Honestly, it was a really tough match. She's a hell of a competitor," said Kyrgios. "I had to strap in because she was putting the pressure on and ultimately it was a really hard-fought battle." 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 Wimbledon finalist Kyrgios won 6-3, 6-3 in an exhibition match in Dubai that bore little resemblance to the era-defining 1973 encounter between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs.

Nick Kyrgios beats Aryna Sabalenka in 'Battle of the Sexes' in Dubai

Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored for a sixth consecutive Premier League game as Leeds denied Sunderland a place in the top five with a 1-1 draw at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.&nbsp;Simon Adingra fired the Black Cats into a half-time lead, but the in-form Calvert-Lewin levelled early in the second period to pull Leeds further clear of the relegation zone.&nbsp;Sunderland are still yet to lose at home on their return to the top flight but have been severely depleted by the departure of six players to the Africa Cup of Nations.&nbsp;Adingra was one of the Ivory Coast's key men in winning the AFCON on home soil last year, but was not selected this time.&nbsp;Sunderland were grateful for that decision as the former Brighton winger curled in his first goal for the club from Granit Xhaka's fine through ball on 28 minutes.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-leonard-hutton-to-don-bradman-5-batters-with-highest-individual-score-in-ashes-bob-simpson-bob-cowper-ashes-2025-26-1762276944046">From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes</a>&nbsp;Brian Brobbey headed against the crossbar in first-half stoppage time with the chance to double Sunderland's lead.&nbsp;But Leeds had been the better side for large spells of the first period and started the second with a bang.&nbsp;Calvert-Lewin latched onto Brenden Aaronson's low cross for his eighth goal of the season, seven of which have come in the last six games.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-steve-smith-to-joe-root-5-active-batters-with-most-runs-in-ashes-ben-stokes-jonny-bairstow-usman-khawaja-1762275784636">From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes</a>&nbsp;The former Everton striker's form has played a major role in edging Leeds towards safety and keeping his manager Daniel Farke in a job.&nbsp;The German was reportedly on the brink of being dismissed prior to a five-game unbeaten run that has taken Leeds seven points clear of the bottom three.&nbsp;Sunderland missed the chance to leapfrog Manchester United and Chelsea but sit seventh, just four points outside the top four.&nbsp;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.

Simon Adingra fired the Black Cats into a half-time lead, but the in-form Dominic Calvert-Lewin  levelled early in the second period to pull Leeds further clear of the relegation zone.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored for a sixth consecutive Premier League game as Leeds denied Sunderland a place in the top five with a 1-1 draw at the Stadium of Light on Sunday. Simon Adingra fired the Black Cats into a half-time lead, but the in-form Calvert-Lewin levelled early in the second period to pull Leeds further clear of the relegation zone. Sunderland are still yet to lose at home on their return to the top flight but have been severely depleted by the departure of six players to the Africa Cup of Nations. Adingra was one of the Ivory Coast's key men in winning the AFCON on home soil last year, but was not selected this time. Sunderland were grateful for that decision as the former Brighton winger curled in his first goal for the club from Granit Xhaka's fine through ball on 28 minutes. ALSO READ | From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes Brian Brobbey headed against the crossbar in first-half stoppage time with the chance to double Sunderland's lead. But Leeds had been the better side for large spells of the first period and started the second with a bang. Calvert-Lewin latched onto Brenden Aaronson's low cross for his eighth goal of the season, seven of which have come in the last six games. ALSO READ | From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes The former Everton striker's form has played a major role in edging Leeds towards safety and keeping his manager Daniel Farke in a job. The German was reportedly on the brink of being dismissed prior to a five-game unbeaten run that has taken Leeds seven points clear of the bottom three. Sunderland missed the chance to leapfrog Manchester United and Chelsea but sit seventh, just four points outside the top four. 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.

Simon Adingra fired the Black Cats into a half-time lead, but the in-form Dominic Calvert-Lewin &nbsp;levelled early in the second period to pull Leeds further clear of the relegation zone.

Premier League: Dominic Calvert-Lewin stretches hot streak as Leeds hold Sunderland

India women extended their dominance in the ongoing T20I series against Sri Lanka women with another commanding win on Sunday (Dec 28). Playing at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, India defeated Sri Lanka by 30 runs to take a 4-0 lead in the five-match series. Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma were the star performers for India as both scored respective fifties before missing out on a ton.<h2>India extend dominance</h2>Continuing from India's impressive batting, Sri Lanka were tasked with chasing 222 runs to win the match. They stayed in contention with a positive start as Hasini Perera (33) and Chamari Athapaththu (52) put together 59 runs for the opening wicket before the former was dismissed. Imesha Dulani (29) and Harshitha Samarawickrama (20) also contributed to the chase, but the visitors did not have enough to give India any headache before they were restricted to 191/6 in 20 overs.&nbsp;Arundhati Reddy and Vaishnavi Sharma both ended with two wickets each, while Shree Charani had one scalp.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-leonard-hutton-to-don-bradman-5-batters-with-highest-individual-score-in-ashes-bob-simpson-bob-cowper-ashes-2025-26-1762276944046">From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes</a><h2>Shafali, Smriti run riot</h2>Making her 150th T20I appearance, Chamari Athapaththu’s Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field first. A decision that backfired for the visitors as the Indian opening pair put a stand of 162 runs for the opening wicket, Shafali Verma scoring 79 off 46, which included 12 fours and a six. On the other hand, Smriti was also in great nick of form as she scored 80 off 48 for the Women in Blue.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-steve-smith-to-joe-root-5-active-batters-with-most-runs-in-ashes-ben-stokes-jonny-bairstow-usman-khawaja-1762275784636">From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes</a>&nbsp;Later, Richa Ghosh (40 off 16) and Harmanpreet Kaur (16 off 10) helped India reach 200 in what was another run feast for the home side.&nbsp;The two teams will now meet in the final T20I on Tuesday, bringing down the curtains on 2025 at the same venue.

Playing at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, India defeated Sri Lanka by 30 runs to take a 4-0 lead in the five-match series. 

India women extended their dominance in the ongoing T20I series against Sri Lanka women with another commanding win on Sunday (Dec 28). Playing at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, India defeated Sri Lanka by 30 runs to take a 4-0 lead in the five-match series. Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma were the star performers for India as both scored respective fifties before missing out on a ton. India extend dominance Continuing from India's impressive batting, Sri Lanka were tasked with chasing 222 runs to win the match. They stayed in contention with a positive start as Hasini Perera (33) and Chamari Athapaththu (52) put together 59 runs for the opening wicket before the former was dismissed. Imesha Dulani (29) and Harshitha Samarawickrama (20) also contributed to the chase, but the visitors did not have enough to give India any headache before they were restricted to 191/6 in 20 overs. Arundhati Reddy and Vaishnavi Sharma both ended with two wickets each, while Shree Charani had one scalp. ALSO READ | From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes Shafali, Smriti run riot Making her 150th T20I appearance, Chamari Athapaththu’s Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field first. A decision that backfired for the visitors as the Indian opening pair put a stand of 162 runs for the opening wicket, Shafali Verma scoring 79 off 46, which included 12 fours and a six. On the other hand, Smriti was also in great nick of form as she scored 80 off 48 for the Women in Blue. ALSO READ | From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes Later, Richa Ghosh (40 off 16) and Harmanpreet Kaur (16 off 10) helped India reach 200 in what was another run feast for the home side. The two teams will now meet in the final T20I on Tuesday, bringing down the curtains on 2025 at the same venue.

Playing at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, India defeated Sri Lanka by 30 runs to take a 4-0 lead in the five-match series.&nbsp;

IND-W vs SL-W: Smriti, Shafali impress as India extend dominance with win in Trivandrum, lead series 4-0

Glamorgan announced the death of Hugh Morris, the former chief executive of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), at the age of 62 on Sunday.&nbsp;Morris won three Test caps for England in 1991 as an opening batsman and also led Glamorgan to the Sunday League title two years later as captain.&nbsp;After his playing career came to an end, Morris went on to hold a series of senior positions at the ECB.&nbsp;Following a stint as deputy and acting chief executive, he served as England's first managing director from 2007 to 2013, during which time the men's team reached number one in the Test rankings, won three Ashes series and the 2010 T20 World Cup.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-leonard-hutton-to-don-bradman-5-batters-with-highest-individual-score-in-ashes-bob-simpson-bob-cowper-ashes-2025-26-1762276944046">From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes</a>&nbsp;Morris returned to south Wales in 2013 and enjoyed nine years as Glamorgan chief executive.&nbsp;He was diagnosed with bowel cancer in January 2022 and left his role at the Welsh county in September 2023 to spend time with his family as he underwent treatment.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-steve-smith-to-joe-root-5-active-batters-with-most-runs-in-ashes-ben-stokes-jonny-bairstow-usman-khawaja-1762275784636">From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes</a>&nbsp;"Everyone here at Glamorgan County Cricket Club and further afield are devastated on hearing the awful news about Hugh," said Dan Cherry, who succeeded Morris as Glamorgan chief.&nbsp;"As a player and administrator, Hugh led from the front. He leaves us with an outstanding legacy."&nbsp;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.

Hugh Morris won three Test caps for England in 1991 as an opening batsman and also led Glamorgan to the Sunday League title two years later as captain.

Glamorgan announced the death of Hugh Morris, the former chief executive of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), at the age of 62 on Sunday. Morris won three Test caps for England in 1991 as an opening batsman and also led Glamorgan to the Sunday League title two years later as captain. After his playing career came to an end, Morris went on to hold a series of senior positions at the ECB. Following a stint as deputy and acting chief executive, he served as England's first managing director from 2007 to 2013, during which time the men's team reached number one in the Test rankings, won three Ashes series and the 2010 T20 World Cup. ALSO READ | From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes Morris returned to south Wales in 2013 and enjoyed nine years as Glamorgan chief executive. He was diagnosed with bowel cancer in January 2022 and left his role at the Welsh county in September 2023 to spend time with his family as he underwent treatment. ALSO READ | From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes "Everyone here at Glamorgan County Cricket Club and further afield are devastated on hearing the awful news about Hugh," said Dan Cherry, who succeeded Morris as Glamorgan chief. "As a player and administrator, Hugh led from the front. He leaves us with an outstanding legacy." 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.

Hugh Morris won three Test caps for England in 1991 as an opening batsman and also led Glamorgan to the Sunday League title two years later as captain.

Former England cricket team boss Hugh Morris dies aged 62

Smriti Mandhana joined an elite club of players on Sunday (Dec 28) as India hosted Sri Lanka in the fourth T20I at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. The 2025 Women’s World Cup winner was at her fluent best on Sunday, smashing 80 runs off 48 balls, thereby joining elite of players like Mithali Raj, Suzie Bates and Charlotte Edwards. As a result of her knock India scored 221/2 in their 20 overs having batted first.&nbsp;<h2>Mandhana joins elite club</h2>In the fourth contest of the five-match series, the dashing Indian opener looked at her best with the bat and completed 10000 international runs. This saw her become the fourth player to score 10000 international runs. It took the Indian batter 280 matches to reach the feat, having smashed 629 runs in Tests, 5322 runs in ODIs and 4022 runs in T20Is. She is also one of the highest run scorers in the T20Is. Smirti’s innings consisted of 11 fours and 3 sixes as she was striking at 166 with the bat.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-leonard-hutton-to-don-bradman-5-batters-with-highest-individual-score-in-ashes-bob-simpson-bob-cowper-ashes-2025-26-1762276944046">From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes</a><h2>Most international runs in Women’s Cricket</h2>10868 - Mithali Raj (IND)10652 - Suzie Bates (NZ)10273 - Charlotte Edwards (ENG)10000* - Smriti Mandhana (IND)9301 - Stafanie Taylor (WI)8352 - Meg Lanning (AUS)&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-steve-smith-to-joe-root-5-active-batters-with-most-runs-in-ashes-ben-stokes-jonny-bairstow-usman-khawaja-1762275784636">From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes</a><h2>What happened in the match?</h2>Making her 150th T20I appearance, Chamari Athapaththu’s Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field first. A decision that backfired for the visitors as the Indian opening pair put a stand of 162 runs for the opening wicket, Shafali Verma scoring 79 off 46, which included 12 fours and a six. On the other hand, Smriti was also in great nick of form as she scored 80 off 48 for the Women in Blue.&nbsp;Later, Richa Ghosh (40 off 16) and Harmanpreet Kaur (16 off 10) helped India reach 200 in what was another run feast for the home side.

Smriti Mandhana was at her fluent best on Sunday, smashing 80 runs off 48 balls, thereby joining elite of players like Mithali Raj, Suzie Bates and Charlotte Edwards. As a result of her knock India scored 221/2 in their 20 overs having batted first. 

Smriti Mandhana joined an elite club of players on Sunday (Dec 28) as India hosted Sri Lanka in the fourth T20I at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. The 2025 Women’s World Cup winner was at her fluent best on Sunday, smashing 80 runs off 48 balls, thereby joining elite of players like Mithali Raj, Suzie Bates and Charlotte Edwards. As a result of her knock India scored 221/2 in their 20 overs having batted first. Mandhana joins elite club In the fourth contest of the five-match series, the dashing Indian opener looked at her best with the bat and completed 10000 international runs. This saw her become the fourth player to score 10000 international runs. It took the Indian batter 280 matches to reach the feat, having smashed 629 runs in Tests, 5322 runs in ODIs and 4022 runs in T20Is. She is also one of the highest run scorers in the T20Is. Smirti’s innings consisted of 11 fours and 3 sixes as she was striking at 166 with the bat. ALSO READ | From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes Most international runs in Women’s Cricket 10868 - Mithali Raj (IND) 10652 - Suzie Bates (NZ) 10273 - Charlotte Edwards (ENG) 10000* - Smriti Mandhana (IND) 9301 - Stafanie Taylor (WI) 8352 - Meg Lanning (AUS) ALSO READ | From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes What happened in the match? Making her 150th T20I appearance, Chamari Athapaththu’s Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field first. A decision that backfired for the visitors as the Indian opening pair put a stand of 162 runs for the opening wicket, Shafali Verma scoring 79 off 46, which included 12 fours and a six. On the other hand, Smriti was also in great nick of form as she scored 80 off 48 for the Women in Blue. Later, Richa Ghosh (40 off 16) and Harmanpreet Kaur (16 off 10) helped India reach 200 in what was another run feast for the home side.

Smriti Mandhana was at her fluent best on Sunday, smashing 80 runs off 48 balls, thereby joining elite of players like Mithali Raj, Suzie Bates and Charlotte Edwards. As a result of her knock India scored 221/2 in their 20 overs having batted first.&nbsp;

IND-W vs SL-W: Smriti Mandhana joins elite club in fourth T20I, completes 10000 international runs

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was full of praise for the World Cup-winning women’s team after they lifted a maiden title in 2025 November. The women’s team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, had a memorable outing during the tournament as they beat South Africa in the final at the D.Y.Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Ahead of the latest program of the prime minister’s feature show, ‘Maan ki Baat’, Modi expressed great admiration for the women’s side.<h2>PM Modi praises women’s side</h2>"2025 was also a memorable year in terms of sports. Our Men's Cricket team won the ICC Champions' Trophy. The women's cricket team won the World Cup for the first time. The daughters of Bharat created history by winning the women's blind T20 World Cup,” Modi said while addressing the nation in the 129th edition of the 'Mann Ki Baat' programme on Sunday.&nbsp;A feat that could reshape Indian women’s sports, Harmanpreet Kaur was at the centre of attention when ICC Chairman Jay Shah presented her with the World Cup trophy on November 2. However, it was her Lionel Messi-like celebration that caught everyone’s eyes.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-steve-smith-to-joe-root-5-active-batters-with-most-runs-in-ashes-ben-stokes-jonny-bairstow-usman-khawaja-1762275784636">From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes</a>&nbsp;Having taken the winning catch to dismiss Nadine de Klerk, Harmanpreet Kaur’s India won the final by 52 runs and thus became the new world champions. India also became just the fourth team in women’s contingent to win the World Cup, a feat only achieved by Australia, England and New Zealand.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-leonard-hutton-to-don-bradman-5-batters-with-highest-individual-score-in-ashes-bob-simpson-bob-cowper-ashes-2025-26-1762276944046">From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes</a>&nbsp;Once the trophy was presented to Harmanpreet, she danced her way to the podium, where other team members were already present. Her march was similar to Lionel Messi, who had helped Argentina win the FIFA World Cup in December 2022.&nbsp;PM Modi also congratulated the Indian women’s team after they had won the title in November.

A feat that could reshape Indian women’s sports, Harmanpreet Kaur was at the centre of attention when ICC Chairman Jay Shah presented her with the World Cup trophy on November 2.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was full of praise for the World Cup-winning women’s team after they lifted a maiden title in 2025 November. The women’s team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, had a memorable outing during the tournament as they beat South Africa in the final at the D.Y.Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Ahead of the latest program of the prime minister’s feature show, ‘Maan ki Baat’, Modi expressed great admiration for the women’s side. PM Modi praises women’s side "2025 was also a memorable year in terms of sports. Our Men's Cricket team won the ICC Champions' Trophy. The women's cricket team won the World Cup for the first time. The daughters of Bharat created history by winning the women's blind T20 World Cup,” Modi said while addressing the nation in the 129th edition of the 'Mann Ki Baat' programme on Sunday. A feat that could reshape Indian women’s sports, Harmanpreet Kaur was at the centre of attention when ICC Chairman Jay Shah presented her with the World Cup trophy on November 2. However, it was her Lionel Messi-like celebration that caught everyone’s eyes. ALSO READ | From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes Having taken the winning catch to dismiss Nadine de Klerk, Harmanpreet Kaur’s India won the final by 52 runs and thus became the new world champions. India also became just the fourth team in women’s contingent to win the World Cup, a feat only achieved by Australia, England and New Zealand. ALSO READ | From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes Once the trophy was presented to Harmanpreet, she danced her way to the podium, where other team members were already present. Her march was similar to Lionel Messi, who had helped Argentina win the FIFA World Cup in December 2022. PM Modi also congratulated the Indian women’s team after they had won the title in November.

A feat that could reshape Indian women’s sports, Harmanpreet Kaur was at the centre of attention when ICC Chairman Jay Shah presented her with the World Cup trophy on November 2.

PM Modi praises Indian Women's team for ODI World Cup success, says 'daughters of Bharat created history'

The Premier League standings had a decisive week as Manchester City, Arsenal and Aston Villa registered crucial wins in their pursuit of the title. However, it is at the bottom where things looks very interesting as Wolves face an improbable task of avoiding the relegation. With half of the season gone, room for encouragement is very less for the team from West Midlands as they occupy the bottom spot in the league. So here’s a look at four teams that survived relegation despite being bottom at Christmas in the Premier League.&nbsp;<h2>West Bromwich Albion (2004-05)</h2>West Bromwich Albion’s 2004–05 Premier League relegation scrap remains one of the most dramatic survival stories in English football history. Nicknamed “The Great Escape,” Albion became the first club to avoid relegation after being bottom of the table at Christmas, with their chances looking bleak deep into the season.&nbsp;&nbsp;Under manager Bryan Robson, West Brom staged a remarkable late surge, taking crucial points in the final weeks, including an unforgettable last-day victory over Portsmouth. Survival was sealed as rivals Crystal Palace, Norwich City, and Southampton all failed to win, allowing Albion to finish 17th and stay up by a single point.<h2>Sunderland (2013-14)</h2>Sunderland’s 2013–14 Premier League relegation scrap stands as one of the club’s most memorable survival battles, defined by resilience and a remarkable late turnaround. After spending much of the season in the bottom three, Sunderland appointed Gus Poyet in October, who gradually instilled belief despite a heavy fixture backlog caused by cup commitments.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Black Cats produced a stunning revival in the run-in, highlighted by back-to-back home victories over title-chasing Chelsea and Manchester City, results that transformed their survival hopes. A dramatic final-day draw at home to West Bromwich Albion ensured safety, with Sunderland finishing 14th, well clear of the drop zone. Against the odds, their escape became a classic example of grit and timely brilliance under pressure.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-leonard-hutton-to-don-bradman-5-batters-with-highest-individual-score-in-ashes-bob-simpson-bob-cowper-ashes-2025-26-1762276944046">From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes</a><h2>Leicester City (2014-15)</h2>Leicester City’s 2014–15 Premier League relegation scrap is one of the most extraordinary survival stories the league has witnessed. For much of the season, the Foxes looked destined for an immediate return to the Championship, spending long spells rooted to the bottom of the table and facing a seemingly insurmountable points gap by early April.&nbsp;&nbsp;However, under Nigel Pearson, Leicester produced a stunning late-season revival, winning seven of their final nine matches, including crucial victories over West Ham, Swansea, and Newcastle. This remarkable run lifted them from the foot of the table to a 14th-place finish, securing safety with games to spare and laying the foundations for their astonishing title triumph just a year later.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-steve-smith-to-joe-root-5-active-batters-with-most-runs-in-ashes-ben-stokes-jonny-bairstow-usman-khawaja-1762275784636">From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes</a><h2>Wolves (2022-23)</h2>Wolverhampton Wanderers’ 2022–23 Premier League relegation scrap was a tense and hard-fought battle marked by a dramatic turnaround in the second half of the season. After a poor start left Wolves deep in trouble near the bottom of the table, the club turned to Julen Lopetegui in November, whose arrival brought renewed structure, belief, and defensive solidity. Key victories against fellow strugglers, along with vital home wins at Molineux, gradually pulled Wolves away from danger, while an improved goal threat in the run-in proved crucial.

With half of the Premier League season gone, room for encouragement is very less for the team from West Midlands as they occupy the bottom spot in the league. So here’s a look at four teams that survived relegation despite being bottom at Christmas in the Premier League. 

The Premier League standings had a decisive week as Manchester City, Arsenal and Aston Villa registered crucial wins in their pursuit of the title. However, it is at the bottom where things looks very interesting as Wolves face an improbable task of avoiding the relegation. With half of the season gone, room for encouragement is very less for the team from West Midlands as they occupy the bottom spot in the league. So here’s a look at four teams that survived relegation despite being bottom at Christmas in the Premier League. West Bromwich Albion (2004-05) West Bromwich Albion’s 2004–05 Premier League relegation scrap remains one of the most dramatic survival stories in English football history. Nicknamed “The Great Escape,” Albion became the first club to avoid relegation after being bottom of the table at Christmas, with their chances looking bleak deep into the season. Under manager Bryan Robson, West Brom staged a remarkable late surge, taking crucial points in the final weeks, including an unforgettable last-day victory over Portsmouth. Survival was sealed as rivals Crystal Palace, Norwich City, and Southampton all failed to win, allowing Albion to finish 17th and stay up by a single point. Sunderland (2013-14) Sunderland’s 2013–14 Premier League relegation scrap stands as one of the club’s most memorable survival battles, defined by resilience and a remarkable late turnaround. After spending much of the season in the bottom three, Sunderland appointed Gus Poyet in October, who gradually instilled belief despite a heavy fixture backlog caused by cup commitments. The Black Cats produced a stunning revival in the run-in, highlighted by back-to-back home victories over title-chasing Chelsea and Manchester City, results that transformed their survival hopes. A dramatic final-day draw at home to West Bromwich Albion ensured safety, with Sunderland finishing 14th, well clear of the drop zone. Against the odds, their escape became a classic example of grit and timely brilliance under pressure. ALSO READ | From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes Leicester City (2014-15) Leicester City’s 2014–15 Premier League relegation scrap is one of the most extraordinary survival stories the league has witnessed. For much of the season, the Foxes looked destined for an immediate return to the Championship, spending long spells rooted to the bottom of the table and facing a seemingly insurmountable points gap by early April. However, under Nigel Pearson, Leicester produced a stunning late-season revival, winning seven of their final nine matches, including crucial victories over West Ham, Swansea, and Newcastle. This remarkable run lifted them from the foot of the table to a 14th-place finish, securing safety with games to spare and laying the foundations for their astonishing title triumph just a year later. ALSO READ | From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes Wolves (2022-23) Wolverhampton Wanderers’ 2022–23 Premier League relegation scrap was a tense and hard-fought battle marked by a dramatic turnaround in the second half of the season. After a poor start left Wolves deep in trouble near the bottom of the table, the club turned to Julen Lopetegui in November, whose arrival brought renewed structure, belief, and defensive solidity. Key victories against fellow strugglers, along with vital home wins at Molineux, gradually pulled Wolves away from danger, while an improved goal threat in the run-in proved crucial.

With half of the Premier League season gone, room for encouragement is very less for the team from West Midlands as they occupy the bottom spot in the league. So here’s a look at four teams that survived relegation despite being bottom at Christmas in the Premier League.&nbsp;

Meet four teams that survived Premier League relegation despite being bottom at Christmas

The ongoing Ashes have turned foes into friends as Australian opener Travis Head admits to reaching out to his counterpart, England opener Ben Duckett, over the drunken video episode that put him and the touring English side in bad light. Following England's loss in the third Test in Adelaide, ECB managing director Robert Key vowed to investigate reports of English players drinking excessively during a break in the beach town of Noosa; a few unverified videos of drunken Duckett involved in arguments with members of the public went viral soon after, putting him on notice.&nbsp;Speaking on what Duckett must have faced and felt heading into the Boxing Day Test, which England won inside two days, Head revealed, "I get on with Ducky well and reached out to him to see if he was going alright. &nbsp;"Everyone is still human. What you do in your personal time is up to you. &nbsp;"I know we live a high-profile life, and some people are more high-profile than others. At the end of the day, it is a bit stiff, but I don't think there is any real issue,” Head said, as quoted by the BBC.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-aus-vs-eng-mcg-pitch-curator-disappointed-with-boxing-day-test-result-vows-to-never-1766910623042">Ashes: ‘Shocked’ MCG curator disappointed with Boxing Day Test result, vows to never…</a> &nbsp;After losing the Ashes opener in Perth, which got wrapped up within six sessions, several English players were reportedly drinking heavily during their time on the Queensland coast, raising questions about their seriousness about the series. Although England produced an improved show in the second Test at the Gabba in Brisbane, they lost that pink-ball Test, further conceding the Ashes in the third game in Adelaide. &nbsp;England captain Ben Stokes also threw his weight behind Duckett ahead of the Boxing Day Test, admitting to enduring the hardest time as an English skipper while managing the well-being of his teammates. &nbsp;On the other hand, Head, who scored a valiant 46 in the second innings at the MCG, spoke on England breaking the ice and winning a Test match Down Under, their first since 2011. &nbsp;"I was jealous,” Head said. "Everyone has made a lot more out of it than what it should have been. &nbsp;"We have done the same thing on past tours. I don't have an issue with it,” he added. &nbsp;Meanwhile, despite losing the Boxing Day Test to England, Australia lead the five-match series 3-1, with the New Year’s Test awaiting at the SCG, starting early next year.

Under-fire Duckett scored 36 runs across two innings in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. 

The ongoing Ashes have turned foes into friends as Australian opener Travis Head admits to reaching out to his counterpart, England opener Ben Duckett, over the drunken video episode that put him and the touring English side in bad light. Following England's loss in the third Test in Adelaide, ECB managing director Robert Key vowed to investigate reports of English players drinking excessively during a break in the beach town of Noosa; a few unverified videos of drunken Duckett involved in arguments with members of the public went viral soon after, putting him on notice. Speaking on what Duckett must have faced and felt heading into the Boxing Day Test, which England won inside two days, Head revealed, "I get on with Ducky well and reached out to him to see if he was going alright. "Everyone is still human. What you do in your personal time is up to you. "I know we live a high-profile life, and some people are more high-profile than others. At the end of the day, it is a bit stiff, but I don't think there is any real issue,” Head said, as quoted by the BBC. Also read | Ashes: ‘Shocked’ MCG curator disappointed with Boxing Day Test result, vows to never… After losing the Ashes opener in Perth, which got wrapped up within six sessions, several English players were reportedly drinking heavily during their time on the Queensland coast, raising questions about their seriousness about the series. Although England produced an improved show in the second Test at the Gabba in Brisbane, they lost that pink-ball Test, further conceding the Ashes in the third game in Adelaide. England captain Ben Stokes also threw his weight behind Duckett ahead of the Boxing Day Test, admitting to enduring the hardest time as an English skipper while managing the well-being of his teammates. On the other hand, Head, who scored a valiant 46 in the second innings at the MCG, spoke on England breaking the ice and winning a Test match Down Under, their first since 2011. "I was jealous,” Head said. "Everyone has made a lot more out of it than what it should have been. "We have done the same thing on past tours. I don't have an issue with it,” he added. Meanwhile, despite losing the Boxing Day Test to England, Australia lead the five-match series 3-1, with the New Year’s Test awaiting at the SCG, starting early next year.

Under-fire Duckett scored 36 runs across two innings in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.&nbsp;

Ashes: Ben Duckett finds unlikely support in Travis Head over ‘drinking video’ episode

Social media buzzed with reports of the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) holding informal talks with batting giant VVS Laxman over his appointment as Gautam Gambhir’s replacement as Test head coach, only for the BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia to dismiss such speculations. Saikia has backed Gambhir to continue in his role as the head coach across three formats.&nbsp;Shortly after South Africa whitewashed India in away Tests (2-0), beating them in Kolkata and Guwahati, rumours of the Indian Cricket Board deciding to look beyond Gambhir in Tests did the rounds on social media. Although Gambhir remained absent for his comments on the same, Saikia squashed all speculations, throwing his weight behind Gautam as the head coach.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/here-is-how-much-virat-kohli-rohit-sharma-earn-per-match-in-vijay-hazare-trophy-1766894788978">Here's how much Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma earn per match in Vijay Hazare Trophy</a> &nbsp;Meanwhile, Laxman has been on BCCI’s radar for Team India’s head coach role for the longest time. Even after Rahul Dravid’s tenure as the head coach, the board is said to have approached him first, but after Laxman denied accepting this role, citing his satisfaction in heading operations at BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE), the BCCI zeroed in on Gambhir as the new head coach. &nbsp;Speaking to ANI, Saikia dismissed rumours surrounding a change in the leadership despite negative results in the Tests. &nbsp;"This is totally incorrect news going on. This is totally speculative news. Some very reputed news agencies are also flashing the news. There is no truth to it. BCCI straight away denies. People can think all they want, but BCCI has not taken any steps. This is somebody's figment of imagination; there is no truth in it, and I cannot say anything except that this is factually incorrect and baseless news,” the BCCI secretary said.<h2>Gambhir’s future remains gloomy</h2>Gautam has been a fantastic white-ball coach, having led India to two multi-team titles this year – the ICC Champions Trophy crown in Dubai and the 2025 Asia Cup tournament. However, the Indian Team hasn’t tasted similar success in Tests under Gambhir, having lost three Test series since last year, including two at home. Although India managed to draw the five-match Test series in the UK this year, their overall poor record keeps them at the sixth spot on the current World Test Championship (WTC) standings. &nbsp;A PTI report, also carried out by several publications, states that the board is worried about India’s red-ball cricket results; besides, there are chances of them revisiting Gambhir’s contract (as the head coach that runs until the 2027 ODI World Cup) should India fail to lift the trophy at next year’s co-hosted T20 World Cup.&nbsp;

Shortly after South Africa whitewashed India in away Tests (2-0), beating them in Kolkata and Guwahati, rumours of the Indian Cricket Board deciding to look beyond Gambhir in Tests did the rounds on social media.

Social media buzzed with reports of the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) holding informal talks with batting giant VVS Laxman over his appointment as Gautam Gambhir’s replacement as Test head coach, only for the BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia to dismiss such speculations. Saikia has backed Gambhir to continue in his role as the head coach across three formats. Shortly after South Africa whitewashed India in away Tests (2-0), beating them in Kolkata and Guwahati, rumours of the Indian Cricket Board deciding to look beyond Gambhir in Tests did the rounds on social media. Although Gambhir remained absent for his comments on the same, Saikia squashed all speculations, throwing his weight behind Gautam as the head coach. Also read | Here's how much Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma earn per match in Vijay Hazare Trophy Meanwhile, Laxman has been on BCCI’s radar for Team India’s head coach role for the longest time. Even after Rahul Dravid’s tenure as the head coach, the board is said to have approached him first, but after Laxman denied accepting this role, citing his satisfaction in heading operations at BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE), the BCCI zeroed in on Gambhir as the new head coach. Speaking to ANI, Saikia dismissed rumours surrounding a change in the leadership despite negative results in the Tests. "This is totally incorrect news going on. This is totally speculative news. Some very reputed news agencies are also flashing the news. There is no truth to it. BCCI straight away denies. People can think all they want, but BCCI has not taken any steps. This is somebody's figment of imagination; there is no truth in it, and I cannot say anything except that this is factually incorrect and baseless news,” the BCCI secretary said. Gambhir’s future remains gloomy Gautam has been a fantastic white-ball coach, having led India to two multi-team titles this year – the ICC Champions Trophy crown in Dubai and the 2025 Asia Cup tournament. However, the Indian Team hasn’t tasted similar success in Tests under Gambhir, having lost three Test series since last year, including two at home. Although India managed to draw the five-match Test series in the UK this year, their overall poor record keeps them at the sixth spot on the current World Test Championship (WTC) standings. A PTI report, also carried out by several publications, states that the board is worried about India’s red-ball cricket results; besides, there are chances of them revisiting Gambhir’s contract (as the head coach that runs until the 2027 ODI World Cup) should India fail to lift the trophy at next year’s co-hosted T20 World Cup.

Shortly after South Africa whitewashed India in away Tests (2-0), beating them in Kolkata and Guwahati, rumours of the Indian Cricket Board deciding to look beyond Gambhir in Tests did the rounds on social media.

BCCI secretary denies ‘informal talks with Laxman’ reports, backs Gambhir as all-format coach

Australian pace legend Brett Lee has been inducted into the Hall of Fame after serving the nation on the field for more than a decade in the 2000s. Lee, who was a member of the Australian side that won the 2003 and 2007 World Cup represented the national side in all three formats with more than 300 aggregate appearances across the formats. Lee retired from the game in 2012 was the nation’s highest wicket-taker in ODIs.<h2>Lee inducted in Australian Hall of Fame</h2>“That (160 km/h) means more to me than any wicket I’ve taken. Of course, the team comes first — to win the (2003) World Cup, the 16 straight Test wins, that’s the pinnacle; that’s why you play the game. But in terms of personal milestones, it wasn’t wickets for me. Because I’d set my goal at such a young age to hit that 160 km/h barrier and to go past it, when you dream about something, you dedicate your life to achieving that dream, and when it comes off, it’s very special,” Lee told cricket.com.au.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-steve-smith-to-joe-root-5-active-batters-with-most-runs-in-ashes-ben-stokes-jonny-bairstow-usman-khawaja-1762275784636">From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes</a>&nbsp;The former pacer represented Australia in 76 Tests, 221 ODIs and 25 T20Is, amassing a combined total of 718 wickets. Lee made his debut for Australia in 1999 against India in the Boxing Day Test before ending his red-ball career at the same venue of Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in 2008 against Australia.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-leonard-hutton-to-don-bradman-5-batters-with-highest-individual-score-in-ashes-bob-simpson-bob-cowper-ashes-2025-26-1762276944046">From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes</a>&nbsp;Lee would later retire from the white-ball format in 2012, dropping curtains on a successful career. His last game for the national side was against England at Chester-le-Street, officially announcing retirement in ODIs.&nbsp;With 380 wickets in ODIs for Australia, he topped the chart for most wickets ahead of Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne in the format. He was also rewarded with the Allan Border medal for Best Test Player of the Year in 2008.&nbsp;

Brett Lee represented Australia in 76 Tests, 221 ODIs and 25 T20Is, amassing a combined total of 718 wickets. 

Australian pace legend Brett Lee has been inducted into the Hall of Fame after serving the nation on the field for more than a decade in the 2000s. Lee, who was a member of the Australian side that won the 2003 and 2007 World Cup represented the national side in all three formats with more than 300 aggregate appearances across the formats. Lee retired from the game in 2012 was the nation’s highest wicket-taker in ODIs. Lee inducted in Australian Hall of Fame “That (160 km/h) means more to me than any wicket I’ve taken. Of course, the team comes first — to win the (2003) World Cup, the 16 straight Test wins, that’s the pinnacle; that’s why you play the game. But in terms of personal milestones, it wasn’t wickets for me. Because I’d set my goal at such a young age to hit that 160 km/h barrier and to go past it, when you dream about something, you dedicate your life to achieving that dream, and when it comes off, it’s very special,” Lee told cricket.com.au. ALSO READ | From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes The former pacer represented Australia in 76 Tests, 221 ODIs and 25 T20Is, amassing a combined total of 718 wickets. Lee made his debut for Australia in 1999 against India in the Boxing Day Test before ending his red-ball career at the same venue of Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in 2008 against Australia. ALSO READ | From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes Lee would later retire from the white-ball format in 2012, dropping curtains on a successful career. His last game for the national side was against England at Chester-le-Street, officially announcing retirement in ODIs. With 380 wickets in ODIs for Australia, he topped the chart for most wickets ahead of Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne in the format. He was also rewarded with the Allan Border medal for Best Test Player of the Year in 2008.

Brett Lee represented Australia in 76 Tests, 221 ODIs and 25 T20Is, amassing a combined total of 718 wickets.&nbsp;

Legendary speedster Brett Lee inducted into Australian cricket Hall of Fame

For the second time in a month, an Ashes Test was done inside two days, this time at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). If only the Ashes opener in Perth was looked down as a shallow moment in Test history, 36 wickets falling inside 142 overs across four innings and five sessions in the Boxing Day Test raised eyebrows all over. The fourth Test at the iconic ‘G’ was over even before anyone realised, and the person behind preparing the pitch that became the talking point, Matt Page, was all but shocked and disappointed with the result.&nbsp;While the MCG pitch received widespread criticism across both camps, with England captain Ben Stokes and Australia’s stand-in skipper Steve Smith coming down hard on the 10mm grass that Page kept (on the pitch) for the Boxing Day Test, he has received little backing from Australian opener Travis Head. His decision to leave that amount of grass cost Cricket Australia (CA) AUS$10mn, with Smith saying a marginal difference (had it been 8mm instead of 10) would have been better, and challenging at the same time.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-ashes-cricket-australia-ceo-hints-at-intervening-on-pitches-says-short-tests-are-bad-for-business-1766812121423">Ashes: Cricket Australia CEO hints at intervening on pitches, says ‘short Tests are bad for business’</a> &nbsp;"It probably offered just a little bit too much… Maybe if you took it from 10 to 8mm, it would have been a nice, challenging wicket - maybe a little bit more even,” Smith said about the MCG pitch. &nbsp;Speaking of the game’s outcome and how he felt about it, Page said, "I was in a state of shock after the first day, to see everything that happened, 20 wickets in a day. I've never been involved in a Test match like it, and hopefully never involved in a Test match like it again. &nbsp;"Every year is different, and the margins are very small, but in the back of your mind, you're always trying to provide that contest. We're about trying to provide captivating Test cricket, that balance between bat and ball going four or five days. &nbsp;"We've produced a Test that's been captivating, but it hasn't gone long enough, and we'll take ownership of that. We'll learn from it, we'll grow, and we'll make sure that we'll get it right next year,” he continued. &nbsp;On the other hand, Travis Head, who opened across both innings, put a supportive arm around Page’s neck, lending him support.&nbsp; &nbsp;"I feel for him [Page]. It's bloody tough. You leave 1-2mm on with high-quality bowling, and you find yourself short, and you take 2-3mm off with high-quality batting, and you leave yourself the other way,” Head said. &nbsp;Meanwhile, England won the MCG Test by four wickets - their first win Down Under in 14 years, and despite that, trailing the away Ashes (1-3), with one Test remaining.

20 wickets fell on day one of the MCG Test, with the remaining 16 inside three sessions on day two.

For the second time in a month, an Ashes Test was done inside two days, this time at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). If only the Ashes opener in Perth was looked down as a shallow moment in Test history, 36 wickets falling inside 142 overs across four innings and five sessions in the Boxing Day Test raised eyebrows all over. The fourth Test at the iconic ‘G’ was over even before anyone realised, and the person behind preparing the pitch that became the talking point, Matt Page, was all but shocked and disappointed with the result. While the MCG pitch received widespread criticism across both camps, with England captain Ben Stokes and Australia’s stand-in skipper Steve Smith coming down hard on the 10mm grass that Page kept (on the pitch) for the Boxing Day Test, he has received little backing from Australian opener Travis Head. His decision to leave that amount of grass cost Cricket Australia (CA) AUS$10mn, with Smith saying a marginal difference (had it been 8mm instead of 10) would have been better, and challenging at the same time. Also read | Ashes: Cricket Australia CEO hints at intervening on pitches, says ‘short Tests are bad for business’ "It probably offered just a little bit too much… Maybe if you took it from 10 to 8mm, it would have been a nice, challenging wicket - maybe a little bit more even,” Smith said about the MCG pitch. Speaking of the game’s outcome and how he felt about it, Page said, "I was in a state of shock after the first day, to see everything that happened, 20 wickets in a day. I've never been involved in a Test match like it, and hopefully never involved in a Test match like it again. "Every year is different, and the margins are very small, but in the back of your mind, you're always trying to provide that contest. We're about trying to provide captivating Test cricket, that balance between bat and ball going four or five days. "We've produced a Test that's been captivating, but it hasn't gone long enough, and we'll take ownership of that. We'll learn from it, we'll grow, and we'll make sure that we'll get it right next year,” he continued. On the other hand, Travis Head, who opened across both innings, put a supportive arm around Page’s neck, lending him support. "I feel for him [Page]. It's bloody tough. You leave 1-2mm on with high-quality bowling, and you find yourself short, and you take 2-3mm off with high-quality batting, and you leave yourself the other way,” Head said. Meanwhile, England won the MCG Test by four wickets - their first win Down Under in 14 years, and despite that, trailing the away Ashes (1-3), with one Test remaining.

20 wickets fell on day one of the MCG Test, with the remaining 16 inside three sessions on day two.

Ashes: ‘Shocked’ MCG curator disappointed with Boxing Day Test result, vows to never…

Duan Jansen delivered a career-best T20 performance to drive Joburg Super Kings to a historic 22-run run victory over Pretoria Capitals in the second match of Betway SA20 Season 4 on Saturday. It was the Super Kings’ first victory at their Highveld rivals' home ground Centurion in four seasons. The match was dominated by the ball with Player of the Match, Jansen who ran through the Pretoria Capitals middle-order with figures of 4/23.&nbsp;The Capitals were well-placed to chase down Joburg Super Kings 168/6 after a 71-run opening stand between Will Smeed (34 off 30 balls) and Bryce Parsons (41 off 30 balls). They moved comfortably to 86/2 in the 12th over, but it was this juncture that the Super Kings roared back into the contest when Janco Smit (1/37) silenced the Centurion crowd when the young seam bowler spoiled Dewald Brevis’ homecoming.&nbsp;&nbsp;It was the start of a slide that saw the Capitals lose five wickets for just 28 runs with Jansen being the chief destroyer. Jansen had already picked up West Indian Shai Hope in his first spell before returning to pick up the crucial scalp of Bryce Parsons (41 off 30 balls).&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/here-is-how-much-virat-kohli-rohit-sharma-earn-per-match-in-vijay-hazare-trophy-1766894788978">Here's how much Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma earn per match in Vijay Hazare Trophy</a>&nbsp;The lanky left-arm seamer gained further success when he clean bowled both Connor Esterhuizen and Daniel Smith to bring the Capitals’ resistance to a close.&nbsp;The four Player of the Match candidates were Duan Jansen, Tymal Mills, Wiaan Mulder and Bryce Parsons with Jansen winning 83.2% of the fan vote.&nbsp;The Capitals had earlier won the toss and elected to bowl first under sunny skies at Centurion, with new English import Tymal Mills making an immediate impression when he struck Joburg Super Kings captain Faf du Plessis with a rising delivery on the wrist.&nbsp;&nbsp;It set the tone for the Capitals with the Super Kings losing both openers Du Plessis and Matt de Villiers with just 16 runs on the board before the experienced Rilee Rossouw (48 off 33 balls) and Wiaan Mulder (43 off 28 balls) rebuilt the innings with a 78-run partnership off only 54 balls for the third wicket.&nbsp;&nbsp;Although Mills returned to the attack to remove Rossouw, the Super Kings had put themselves into a strong position that set up Akeal Hosein (22 not out off 10 balls) and Dian Forrester (10 not out off seven balls) to push the visitors up to an unbeatable total.

It was the Super Kings’ first victory at their Highveld rivals' home ground, Centurion, in four seasons, where the match was dominated by Jansen, who ran through the Pretoria Capitals middle-order with figures of 4/23.

Duan Jansen delivered a career-best T20 performance to drive Joburg Super Kings to a historic 22-run run victory over Pretoria Capitals in the second match of Betway SA20 Season 4 on Saturday. It was the Super Kings’ first victory at their Highveld rivals' home ground Centurion in four seasons. The match was dominated by the ball with Player of the Match, Jansen who ran through the Pretoria Capitals middle-order with figures of 4/23. The Capitals were well-placed to chase down Joburg Super Kings 168/6 after a 71-run opening stand between Will Smeed (34 off 30 balls) and Bryce Parsons (41 off 30 balls). They moved comfortably to 86/2 in the 12th over, but it was this juncture that the Super Kings roared back into the contest when Janco Smit (1/37) silenced the Centurion crowd when the young seam bowler spoiled Dewald Brevis’ homecoming. It was the start of a slide that saw the Capitals lose five wickets for just 28 runs with Jansen being the chief destroyer. Jansen had already picked up West Indian Shai Hope in his first spell before returning to pick up the crucial scalp of Bryce Parsons (41 off 30 balls). Also read | Here's how much Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma earn per match in Vijay Hazare Trophy The lanky left-arm seamer gained further success when he clean bowled both Connor Esterhuizen and Daniel Smith to bring the Capitals’ resistance to a close. The four Player of the Match candidates were Duan Jansen, Tymal Mills, Wiaan Mulder and Bryce Parsons with Jansen winning 83.2% of the fan vote. The Capitals had earlier won the toss and elected to bowl first under sunny skies at Centurion, with new English import Tymal Mills making an immediate impression when he struck Joburg Super Kings captain Faf du Plessis with a rising delivery on the wrist. It set the tone for the Capitals with the Super Kings losing both openers Du Plessis and Matt de Villiers with just 16 runs on the board before the experienced Rilee Rossouw (48 off 33 balls) and Wiaan Mulder (43 off 28 balls) rebuilt the innings with a 78-run partnership off only 54 balls for the third wicket. Although Mills returned to the attack to remove Rossouw, the Super Kings had put themselves into a strong position that set up Akeal Hosein (22 not out off 10 balls) and Dian Forrester (10 not out off seven balls) to push the visitors up to an unbeatable total.

It was the Super Kings’ first victory at their Highveld rivals' home ground, Centurion, in four seasons, where the match was dominated by Jansen, who ran through the Pretoria Capitals middle-order with figures of 4/23.

SA20: Duan Jansen drives JSK to historic win over Capitals at Centurion

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma returned to playing the Vijay Hazare Trophy tournament for the first time in many years. While Rohit represented Mumbai for the first time since the 2017-18 edition, Kohli featured for his state team, Delhi, for the first time in 15 years. They both made emphatic returns to this competition, smashing respective centuries in their first outings and making headlines all over. With both scheduled to feature for a few more matches before returning to international duties, let’s check out their per-match earnings in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.&nbsp;Unlike in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where a full-scale player auction determines each picked player’s salary, match-wise earnings in this tournament are shaped by a defined framework. For the current season, a tiered system based on a player’s List A appearances determines his match fees. Experience, and not star power or a bigger name that draws a crowd, decides pay, which automatically puts the two veterans in the highest bracket.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-announce-squad-for-icc-u19-world-cup-2026-check-india-s-schedule-1766853431525">India announce squad for ICC U19 World Cup 2026, check India’s schedule</a> &nbsp;The first is the senior category with over 40 List A matches, where the players earn INR 60,000 per match (if they are part of the playing XI) and INR 30,000 if they are among the reserves. Secondly, those with 21-40 List A matches are classified as mid-level players, pocketing INR 50,000 per match and INR 25,000 as reserves. The third category is that of a junior bracket, consisting of players who have played less than 20 List A matches, earning INR 40,000 per match (those in the XI) and INR 20,000 (among the reserves). &nbsp;Compared to their salaries as international cricketers (INR 6 lakh per ODI) and elite players in the cash-rich Indian Premier League, where they earn bonkers money, the two are earning the same match fee as their fellow seasoned domestic cricketers.&nbsp; Virat, with 344 List A matches and Rohit, with 352 to his name, earn INR 60,000 per match each in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. &nbsp;Meanwhile, the two also earn more than match fees, including receiving daily allowances that cover food, travel and accommodation during the tournament. Individual brilliances also add up to personal rewards, including the Player of the Match awards, typically carrying a cash prize of INR 10,000.&nbsp; &nbsp;The teams that advance into the knockout stages also benefit from the prize money, shared among the players and the support staff.&nbsp;

Unlike in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where a full-scale player auction determines each picked player’s salary, match-wise earnings in this tournament are shaped by a defined framework.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma returned to playing the Vijay Hazare Trophy tournament for the first time in many years. While Rohit represented Mumbai for the first time since the 2017-18 edition, Kohli featured for his state team, Delhi, for the first time in 15 years. They both made emphatic returns to this competition, smashing respective centuries in their first outings and making headlines all over. With both scheduled to feature for a few more matches before returning to international duties, let’s check out their per-match earnings in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Unlike in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where a full-scale player auction determines each picked player’s salary, match-wise earnings in this tournament are shaped by a defined framework. For the current season, a tiered system based on a player’s List A appearances determines his match fees. Experience, and not star power or a bigger name that draws a crowd, decides pay, which automatically puts the two veterans in the highest bracket. Also read | India announce squad for ICC U19 World Cup 2026, check India’s schedule The first is the senior category with over 40 List A matches, where the players earn INR 60,000 per match (if they are part of the playing XI) and INR 30,000 if they are among the reserves. Secondly, those with 21-40 List A matches are classified as mid-level players, pocketing INR 50,000 per match and INR 25,000 as reserves. The third category is that of a junior bracket, consisting of players who have played less than 20 List A matches, earning INR 40,000 per match (those in the XI) and INR 20,000 (among the reserves). Compared to their salaries as international cricketers (INR 6 lakh per ODI) and elite players in the cash-rich Indian Premier League, where they earn bonkers money, the two are earning the same match fee as their fellow seasoned domestic cricketers. Virat, with 344 List A matches and Rohit, with 352 to his name, earn INR 60,000 per match each in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Meanwhile, the two also earn more than match fees, including receiving daily allowances that cover food, travel and accommodation during the tournament. Individual brilliances also add up to personal rewards, including the Player of the Match awards, typically carrying a cash prize of INR 10,000. The teams that advance into the knockout stages also benefit from the prize money, shared among the players and the support staff.

Unlike in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where a full-scale player auction determines each picked player’s salary, match-wise earnings in this tournament are shaped by a defined framework.

Here's how much Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma earn per match in Vijay Hazare Trophy

Three-time Premier League champions Arsenal won their league clash on Saturday (Dec 27) to move back to the top of the table, holding off the pressure from Manchester City in a tightly fought title race. The Gunners edged past Brighton 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium, a result that mattered more than the performance. Manchester City had earlier gone top with a narrow win over Nottingham Forest, leaving Arsenal with no room for error.&nbsp;Arsenal started on the front foot and were rewarded when Martin Odegaard scored with a clean strike at the 14th minute to give the hosts a first-half lead. Brighton stayed organised and made it hard for the home side to create clear chances. The second goal came in fortunate fashion as Georginio Rutter turned Declan Rice’s corner into his own net, giving Arsenal some breathing space.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jack-draper-pulls-out-of-australian-open-2026-due-to-ongoing-arm-injury-1766844571525">Jack Draper pulls out of Australian Open 2026 due to ongoing arm injury</a>&nbsp;Brighton refused to give up and pulled one back through Diego Gomez, setting up a nervy final spell. Arsenal were forced to defend deep, and goalkeeper David Raya played a key role late on with an excellent save to deny Yankuba Minteh. The final whistle brought relief as much as celebration, with Arsenal once again winning by a single-goal margin.&nbsp;Earlier in the day, Manchester City kept up the chase with a 2-1 away win against Nottingham Forest. Rayan Cherki was the standout performer, setting up Tijjani Reijnders before scoring the late winner himself. Forest briefly drew level through Omari Hutchinson but could not hold on.&nbsp;Liverpool also claimed an important win, beating Wolves 2-1 at Anfield in an emotional match. Ryan Gravenberch opened the scoring before Florian Wirtz netted his first goal for the club. Wolves pulled one back late but remain without a league win this season.&nbsp;Elsewhere in the Premier League, Fulham beat West Ham 1-0, Burnley drew 0-0 with Everton, and Brentford cruised to a 4-1 victory over Bournemouth. With the season moving into a crucial phase, Arsenal remain in control at the top, but the gap at the summit remains tight.

Arsenal reclaimed the Premier League top spot with a 2-1 win over Brighton, while Liverpool edged Wolves 2-1 at Anfield. Manchester City remain close as the title race heats up.


Three-time Premier League champions Arsenal won their league clash on Saturday (Dec 27) to move back to the top of the table, holding off the pressure from Manchester City in a tightly fought title race. The Gunners edged past Brighton 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium, a result that mattered more than the performance. Manchester City had earlier gone top with a narrow win over Nottingham Forest, leaving Arsenal with no room for error. Arsenal started on the front foot and were rewarded when Martin Odegaard scored with a clean strike at the 14th minute to give the hosts a first-half lead. Brighton stayed organised and made it hard for the home side to create clear chances. The second goal came in fortunate fashion as Georginio Rutter turned Declan Rice’s corner into his own net, giving Arsenal some breathing space. Also read | Jack Draper pulls out of Australian Open 2026 due to ongoing arm injury Brighton refused to give up and pulled one back through Diego Gomez, setting up a nervy final spell. Arsenal were forced to defend deep, and goalkeeper David Raya played a key role late on with an excellent save to deny Yankuba Minteh. The final whistle brought relief as much as celebration, with Arsenal once again winning by a single-goal margin. Earlier in the day, Manchester City kept up the chase with a 2-1 away win against Nottingham Forest. Rayan Cherki was the standout performer, setting up Tijjani Reijnders before scoring the late winner himself. Forest briefly drew level through Omari Hutchinson but could not hold on. Liverpool also claimed an important win, beating Wolves 2-1 at Anfield in an emotional match. Ryan Gravenberch opened the scoring before Florian Wirtz netted his first goal for the club. Wolves pulled one back late but remain without a league win this season. Elsewhere in the Premier League, Fulham beat West Ham 1-0, Burnley drew 0-0 with Everton, and Brentford cruised to a 4-1 victory over Bournemouth. With the season moving into a crucial phase, Arsenal remain in control at the top, but the gap at the summit remains tight.

Arsenal reclaimed the Premier League top spot with a 2-1 win over Brighton, while Liverpool edged Wolves 2-1 at Anfield. Manchester City remain close as the title race heats up.

Premier League: Arsenal back on top after Brighton win, Liverpool defeat Wolves

Five-time champions India have announced their squad for the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup 2026, which is set to be held in Zimbabwe and Namibia from January 15 to February 6. The tournament will feature 16 teams divided into four groups, followed by the Super Six stage, semi-finals, and the final in Harare. &nbsp;India has been placed in Group B alongside New Zealand, the USA, and Bangladesh.&nbsp;&nbsp;Skipper Ayush Mhatre will lead the team, with Vihaan Malhotra serving as his deputy, though both will miss the pre-World Cup ODI series in South Africa due to wrist injuries. The duo will continue treatment at the BCCI Centre of Excellence before joining the squad for the World Cup. For the South Africa series, Suryavanshi will step in as captain, with Aaron George appointed as vice-captain.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/who-was-mahbub-ali-zaki-the-man-behind-taskin-ahmed-s-comeback-in-international-cricket-1766836937168">Who was Mahbub Ali Zaki? The man behind Taskin Ahmed’s comeback in international cricket</a><h2>India U19 Fixtures at ICC World Cup 2026</h2>India will begin their ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 campaign against the USA on January 15 at the Queen’s Sports Club in Bulawayo. The second group-stage match is scheduled against Bangladesh on January 17 at the same venue. India will then face New Zealand on January 24, completing their group-stage fixtures. These games will be crucial for India to build momentum and secure a strong position ahead of the Super Six stage.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨 News 🚨 India&#39;s U19 squad for South Africa tour and ICC Men’s U19 World Cup announced. Details▶️<a href="https://t.co/z21VRlpvjg">https://t.co/z21VRlpvjg</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/U19WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#U19WorldCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/bL8pkT5Ca2">pic.twitter.com/bL8pkT5Ca2</a>&mdash; BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/2004919294917050599?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Meanwhile, the team also includes wicket-keeper Abhigyan Kundu, who impressed in the U19 Asia Cup with a stunning unbeaten 209 against Malaysia. Aaron George was the top scorer for India in the Asia Cup, while two new players, R.S. Ambrish and Mohamed Enaan, have replaced Yuvraj Gohil and Naman Pushpak from the Asia Cup squad. This blend of youth and experience gives India the chance to test combinations and prepare well ahead of the global event.&nbsp;India U19’s focus will be on starting the tournament strongly in Zimbabwe, with the South Africa ODI series serving as an important warm-up.&nbsp;

India U19 will face USA, Bangladesh, and New Zealand in group-stage matches at the ICC U19 World Cup 2026 in Bulawayo. Key fixtures from Jan 15-24 set the stage for Super Six advancement.

Five-time champions India have announced their squad for the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup 2026, which is set to be held in Zimbabwe and Namibia from January 15 to February 6. The tournament will feature 16 teams divided into four groups, followed by the Super Six stage, semi-finals, and the final in Harare. India has been placed in Group B alongside New Zealand, the USA, and Bangladesh. Skipper Ayush Mhatre will lead the team, with Vihaan Malhotra serving as his deputy, though both will miss the pre-World Cup ODI series in South Africa due to wrist injuries. The duo will continue treatment at the BCCI Centre of Excellence before joining the squad for the World Cup. For the South Africa series, Suryavanshi will step in as captain, with Aaron George appointed as vice-captain. Also read | Who was Mahbub Ali Zaki? The man behind Taskin Ahmed’s comeback in international cricket India U19 Fixtures at ICC World Cup 2026 India will begin their ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 campaign against the USA on January 15 at the Queen’s Sports Club in Bulawayo. The second group-stage match is scheduled against Bangladesh on January 17 at the same venue. India will then face New Zealand on January 24, completing their group-stage fixtures. These games will be crucial for India to build momentum and secure a strong position ahead of the Super Six stage.

India U19 will face USA, Bangladesh, and New Zealand in group-stage matches at the ICC U19 World Cup 2026 in Bulawayo. Key fixtures from Jan 15-24 set the stage for Super Six advancement.

India announce squad for ICC U19 World Cup 2026, check India’s schedule

South Africa is famous for its rich diversity of people, cultures, languages and traditions. Cricket has long been a big part of the country’s identity, and since the launch of SA20, the sport has grown even more popular each season. To build on this momentum, the league has partnered with Wesgro, the official tourism agency of the Western Cape, to promote South Africa as a travel destination. Wesgro now sees India as an important future market, as cricket plays a key role in connecting the two countries.&nbsp;&nbsp;Speaking to WION, Wesgro’s Acting Chief Tourism Officer, Julia Louw, shared why Cape Town and the Eastern Cape are must-visit places.&nbsp;She explained that the Western Cape is often described as “a world in one province.” Visitors can enjoy Table Mountain, beaches, local food, wine regions and scenic areas. Many Indian tourists enjoy driving along the Garden Route, where mountains rise on one side and the ocean stretches on the other.&nbsp;According to Julia, the region offers much more than a one-time visit. From food and adventure to culture, community events and sports like cricket, there is always something new to explore. Cricket, in particular, helps bring India and South Africa closer.&nbsp;<h2>What makes the Western Cape special</h2>While highlighting national pride, Julia also pointed out what sets the Western Cape apart. In just a few hours, travelers can move from busy city areas to quiet vineyards, from beaches to wildlife spots.&nbsp;She noted that the region is home to the famous Cape Winelands, including Route 62, known as the world’s longest wine route. Along with this, visitors can enjoy marine life, Table Mountain National Park and a city surrounded by natural beauty.&nbsp;<h3>Cricket opening doors to India</h3>India is still a growing market for Western Cape tourism. Challenges such as limited direct flights and visa issues have slowed this progress. However, Julia believes cricket has created opportunities that regular tourism promotions could not.&nbsp;&nbsp;Through SA20, Wesgro gained access to Indian audiences. She said sports, especially cricket is the strongest way to connect with Indian travelers. With South Africa’s women’s team finishing as runners-up in the recent World Cup and the men’s World Cup set for 2027, the country is gaining global attention in sports.&nbsp;&nbsp;Julia described SA20 as a strong platform to tell South Africa’s story to the world. Reaching a country as large as India, she added, can only be done through partnerships.<h3>A growing partnership between SA20 and Wesgro</h3>Wesgro’s partnership with SA20 goes beyond tourism, as the agency also focuses on trade and investment. While cricket helps in open conversations, the long-term goal is to build stronger economic ties between South Africa and India.&nbsp;

Speaking to WION, Wesgro’s Acting Chief Tourism Officer, Julia Louw, shared why Cape Town and the Eastern Cape are must-visit places.

South Africa is famous for its rich diversity of people, cultures, languages and traditions. Cricket has long been a big part of the country’s identity, and since the launch of SA20, the sport has grown even more popular each season. To build on this momentum, the league has partnered with Wesgro, the official tourism agency of the Western Cape, to promote South Africa as a travel destination. Wesgro now sees India as an important future market, as cricket plays a key role in connecting the two countries. Speaking to WION, Wesgro’s Acting Chief Tourism Officer, Julia Louw, shared why Cape Town and the Eastern Cape are must-visit places. She explained that the Western Cape is often described as “a world in one province.” Visitors can enjoy Table Mountain, beaches, local food, wine regions and scenic areas. Many Indian tourists enjoy driving along the Garden Route, where mountains rise on one side and the ocean stretches on the other. According to Julia, the region offers much more than a one-time visit. From food and adventure to culture, community events and sports like cricket, there is always something new to explore. Cricket, in particular, helps bring India and South Africa closer. What makes the Western Cape special While highlighting national pride, Julia also pointed out what sets the Western Cape apart. In just a few hours, travelers can move from busy city areas to quiet vineyards, from beaches to wildlife spots. She noted that the region is home to the famous Cape Winelands, including Route 62, known as the world’s longest wine route. Along with this, visitors can enjoy marine life, Table Mountain National Park and a city surrounded by natural beauty. Cricket opening doors to India India is still a growing market for Western Cape tourism. Challenges such as limited direct flights and visa issues have slowed this progress. However, Julia believes cricket has created opportunities that regular tourism promotions could not. Through SA20, Wesgro gained access to Indian audiences. She said sports, especially cricket is the strongest way to connect with Indian travelers. With South Africa’s women’s team finishing as runners-up in the recent World Cup and the men’s World Cup set for 2027, the country is gaining global attention in sports. Julia described SA20 as a strong platform to tell South Africa’s story to the world. Reaching a country as large as India, she added, can only be done through partnerships. A growing partnership between SA20 and Wesgro Wesgro’s partnership with SA20 goes beyond tourism, as the agency also focuses on trade and investment. While cricket helps in open conversations, the long-term goal is to build stronger economic ties between South Africa and India.

Speaking to WION, Wesgro’s Acting Chief Tourism Officer, Julia Louw, shared why Cape Town and the Eastern Cape are must-visit places.

How Cape Town is gearing up SA20 and how it has become a centre of attraction

Young Indian batter Vaibhav Suryavanshi has been named captain of the India Under-19 team for the upcoming ODI series against South Africa, marking another big step in his fast-rising cricket journey. The five-match series will be played from January 3 to 7 at Willowmoore Park in Benoni and will serve as key preparation ahead of the ICC Under-19 World Cup. Suryavanshi takes charge of the team in the absence of regular captain Ayush Mhatre, who has been ruled out of the South Africa tour due to a wrist injury.&nbsp;&nbsp;Aaron George has been named vice-captain for the ODI series. While Mhatre will miss this assignment, he is expected to recover in time for the Under-19 World Cup later next year. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the squads for both the South Africa ODIs and the Under-19 World Cup together, highlighting the importance of planning and balance ahead of the global event. Suryavanshi’s captaincy is seen as a reward for his consistent performances and growing influence over the past season.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/who-was-mahbub-ali-zaki-the-man-behind-taskin-ahmed-s-comeback-in-international-cricket-1766836937168">Who was Mahbub Ali Zaki? The man behind Taskin Ahmed’s comeback in international cricket</a>&nbsp;The young batter recently caught the spotlight with a stunning innings in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Representing Bihar against Arunachal Pradesh in Ranchi, he smashed 190 runs off just 84 balls. His knock included 16 fours and 15 sixes and helped Bihar record a huge 397-run victory. During that innings, Suryavanshi also reached his century in just 36 balls, the second-fastest List A hundred by an Indian.&nbsp;His rise has not been limited to one tournament. Suryavanshi was earlier named Bihar’s vice-captain for the opening rounds of the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy season, showing the faith selectors and team officials have in his abilities. His leadership role has steadily grown at both domestic and junior levels.&nbsp;India will miss Ayush Mhatre and Vihaan Malhotra on the South Africa tour, as both players are recovering from wrist injuries. They will report to the BCCI Centre of Excellence for treatment before rejoining the squad for the Under-19 World Cup.&nbsp;With a mix of new faces and proven performers, the South Africa series offers India a chance to test combinations. For Suryavanshi, it is a chance to lead from the front and continue his impressive run before the World Cup.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi has been named India U19 captain for the South Africa ODI series. The young batter earns the role after strong domestic form ahead of the Under-19 World Cup.


Young Indian batter Vaibhav Suryavanshi has been named captain of the India Under-19 team for the upcoming ODI series against South Africa, marking another big step in his fast-rising cricket journey. The five-match series will be played from January 3 to 7 at Willowmoore Park in Benoni and will serve as key preparation ahead of the ICC Under-19 World Cup. Suryavanshi takes charge of the team in the absence of regular captain Ayush Mhatre, who has been ruled out of the South Africa tour due to a wrist injury. Aaron George has been named vice-captain for the ODI series. While Mhatre will miss this assignment, he is expected to recover in time for the Under-19 World Cup later next year. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the squads for both the South Africa ODIs and the Under-19 World Cup together, highlighting the importance of planning and balance ahead of the global event. Suryavanshi’s captaincy is seen as a reward for his consistent performances and growing influence over the past season. Also read | Who was Mahbub Ali Zaki? The man behind Taskin Ahmed’s comeback in international cricket The young batter recently caught the spotlight with a stunning innings in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Representing Bihar against Arunachal Pradesh in Ranchi, he smashed 190 runs off just 84 balls. His knock included 16 fours and 15 sixes and helped Bihar record a huge 397-run victory. During that innings, Suryavanshi also reached his century in just 36 balls, the second-fastest List A hundred by an Indian. His rise has not been limited to one tournament. Suryavanshi was earlier named Bihar’s vice-captain for the opening rounds of the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy season, showing the faith selectors and team officials have in his abilities. His leadership role has steadily grown at both domestic and junior levels. India will miss Ayush Mhatre and Vihaan Malhotra on the South Africa tour, as both players are recovering from wrist injuries. They will report to the BCCI Centre of Excellence for treatment before rejoining the squad for the Under-19 World Cup. With a mix of new faces and proven performers, the South Africa series offers India a chance to test combinations. For Suryavanshi, it is a chance to lead from the front and continue his impressive run before the World Cup.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi has been named India U19 captain for the South Africa ODI series. The young batter earns the role after strong domestic form ahead of the Under-19 World Cup.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi to lead India U19 in South Africa ODIs ahead of U19 World Cup

There is a calm authority in the way Sofie Gierts carries herself, composed, observant, and quietly assured. In images, she doesn’t look like a coach who overwhelms a room. Instead, she looks like one who listens first. That balance between control and openness defines her approach as she prepares for a new Hockey India League season with the SG Pipers. For Gierts, success in a short, high-pressure tournament doesn’t begin with formations or fitness charts. It begins with something far less visible.&nbsp;“The biggest challenge is to build a relationship of trust within the players,” she said while replying to a question from WION during a round-table. “In the ups, it’s easy to manage. In the downs, trust is what makes the difference.” In a league where momentum can shift within minutes, she believes trust is the only constant teams can rely on. Every player in the squad, she insists, carries equal importance. “There is no difference between foreign players and Indian players. Everybody has a role to play,” Gierts explains. “Everybody must understand that role, and everybody needs openness and trust within the team.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tragedy-strikes-bangladesh-premier-league-dhaka-assistant-coach-zaki-dies-after-collapsing-before-game-1766836077740">Bangladesh Premier League: Dhaka Capitals' assistant coach Mahbub Ali Zaki collapses before game, dies</a>&nbsp;The Hockey India League’s reputation for speed and intensity doesn’t intimidate her. Modern hockey, she feels, has reached a universal pace. “Fast hockey is what we see in every competition now,” she notes. What stands out in India, however, is something more specific: the ability to attack at speed while carrying the ball. “The pace of running with the ball is quite impressive in India,” she says. “That’s something we can learn from.” Rather than imposing a rigid philosophy, Gierts is focused on blending styles. “What I’m looking most forward to is learning from Indian players, how they see the game, how they play it, how they interpret concepts,” she explains. “It’s quite different, and there are things we can take to other nations as well.”&nbsp;That curiosity extends to the mindset of young Indian players, something that has pleasantly surprised her. “They dare to speak, they dare to give their opinion, they dare to say what they want and what they don’t like,” she says. “That’s a quality only exceptional players have.” Off the pitch, the transition into the Indian setup has been smooth. “Everything looks very professional, very good, very organised,” she says of the facilities and preparation. What she is most eager for now is the atmosphere that comes with a packed stadium.&nbsp;“That’s something unique,” Gierts says. “India can probably claim the best crowd in the world, and that’s only enjoyable for us.” Her coaching journey — spanning playing days, women’s teams, and men’s club hockey, has taught her that while the game has become faster and more physical, the human side has evolved just as much. “We work more in a co-creation environment now than a top-down one,” she explains. “The job of a coach is to adapt to the team and give the athletes what they need.”&nbsp;As the season approaches, Gierts remains realistic. There will be highs. There will be lows. No team escapes that cycle. What matters is preparation for the moments when things don’t go according to plan. “You can do everything on the pitch,” she says, “but it’s the level of trust that defines how you deal with difficult moments.”

SG Pipers coach Sophie says trust, learning from Indian players, and blending styles will be key to handling pressure in the fast-paced Hockey India League.

There is a calm authority in the way Sofie Gierts carries herself, composed, observant, and quietly assured. In images, she doesn’t look like a coach who overwhelms a room. Instead, she looks like one who listens first. That balance between control and openness defines her approach as she prepares for a new Hockey India League season with the SG Pipers. For Gierts, success in a short, high-pressure tournament doesn’t begin with formations or fitness charts. It begins with something far less visible. “The biggest challenge is to build a relationship of trust within the players,” she said while replying to a question from WION during a round-table. “In the ups, it’s easy to manage. In the downs, trust is what makes the difference.” In a league where momentum can shift within minutes, she believes trust is the only constant teams can rely on. Every player in the squad, she insists, carries equal importance. “There is no difference between foreign players and Indian players. Everybody has a role to play,” Gierts explains. “Everybody must understand that role, and everybody needs openness and trust within the team.” Also Read: Bangladesh Premier League: Dhaka Capitals' assistant coach Mahbub Ali Zaki collapses before game, dies The Hockey India League’s reputation for speed and intensity doesn’t intimidate her. Modern hockey, she feels, has reached a universal pace. “Fast hockey is what we see in every competition now,” she notes. What stands out in India, however, is something more specific: the ability to attack at speed while carrying the ball. “The pace of running with the ball is quite impressive in India,” she says. “That’s something we can learn from.” Rather than imposing a rigid philosophy, Gierts is focused on blending styles. “What I’m looking most forward to is learning from Indian players, how they see the game, how they play it, how they interpret concepts,” she explains. “It’s quite different, and there are things we can take to other nations as well.” That curiosity extends to the mindset of young Indian players, something that has pleasantly surprised her. “They dare to speak, they dare to give their opinion, they dare to say what they want and what they don’t like,” she says. “That’s a quality only exceptional players have.” Off the pitch, the transition into the Indian setup has been smooth. “Everything looks very professional, very good, very organised,” she says of the facilities and preparation. What she is most eager for now is the atmosphere that comes with a packed stadium. “That’s something unique,” Gierts says. “India can probably claim the best crowd in the world, and that’s only enjoyable for us.” Her coaching journey — spanning playing days, women’s teams, and men’s club hockey, has taught her that while the game has become faster and more physical, the human side has evolved just as much. “We work more in a co-creation environment now than a top-down one,” she explains. “The job of a coach is to adapt to the team and give the athletes what they need.” As the season approaches, Gierts remains realistic. There will be highs. There will be lows. No team escapes that cycle. What matters is preparation for the moments when things don’t go according to plan. “You can do everything on the pitch,” she says, “but it’s the level of trust that defines how you deal with difficult moments.”

SG Pipers coach Sophie says trust, learning from Indian players, and blending styles will be key to handling pressure in the fast-paced Hockey India League.

'Trust is what separates strong teams from the rest', says SG Pipers' head coach Sofie Gierts ahead of HIL 2025-26 season

Jack Draper’s Australian Open hopes have taken a major hit as the British tennis player has pulled out of the 2026 edition of the tournament due to an ongoing arm injury, dealing another blow to his stop-start career. The 22-year-old announced his withdrawal just days before the Australian Open begins in Melbourne, saying he has not been able to fully recover from a persistent left arm and shoulder issue. Draper was scheduled to play his first-round match but decided to step away after medical advice, leaving an open spot in the men’s singles draw.&nbsp;Draper has struggled with injuries for more than a year now. The problem first surfaced in 2024 and has continued to affect his training and match fitness. Since Wimbledon earlier this year, the young Brit has played only one competitive match. His season went downhill after he was forced to retire from his second-round match at the US Open in August, following which he chose to end his year early to focus on recovery.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/who-was-mahbub-ali-zaki-the-man-behind-taskin-ahmed-s-comeback-in-international-cricket-1766836937168">Who was Mahbub Ali Zaki? The man behind Taskin Ahmed’s comeback in international cricket</a>&nbsp;His last court appearance came at Wimbledon in July, where he lost to former US Open champion Marin Cilic. Despite pushing hard in training over the past few weeks, Draper could not reach full fitness in time for the Australian Open.&nbsp;In a message shared on social media, Draper expressed his disappointment. He said he was “gutted” to miss the tournament and had worked hard to return to the court, but added that his health had to come first. After speaking with his doctors and team, the decision was made to take more time off and allow the injury to heal properly.&nbsp;Draper’s absence is a setback for fans and for British tennis. He was seen as one of the rising stars of the men’s game after a strong run in recent seasons, including notable wins over higher-ranked players. He had also reached the second round of the Australian Open in 2024 and was expected to build on that performance this time.&nbsp;His team has made it clear that the focus is now on long-term recovery rather than rushing back. Draper is likely to target a return later in the season, possibly during the European clay-court events.The Australian Open is set to begin on January 18, but Draper’s wait for a comeback will continue.

British tennis player Jack Draper has withdrawn from the Australian Open 2026 due to a persistent arm injury. The 22-year-old will focus on recovery after struggling with fitness for over a year.


Jack Draper’s Australian Open hopes have taken a major hit as the British tennis player has pulled out of the 2026 edition of the tournament due to an ongoing arm injury, dealing another blow to his stop-start career. The 22-year-old announced his withdrawal just days before the Australian Open begins in Melbourne, saying he has not been able to fully recover from a persistent left arm and shoulder issue. Draper was scheduled to play his first-round match but decided to step away after medical advice, leaving an open spot in the men’s singles draw. Draper has struggled with injuries for more than a year now. The problem first surfaced in 2024 and has continued to affect his training and match fitness. Since Wimbledon earlier this year, the young Brit has played only one competitive match. His season went downhill after he was forced to retire from his second-round match at the US Open in August, following which he chose to end his year early to focus on recovery. Also read | Who was Mahbub Ali Zaki? The man behind Taskin Ahmed’s comeback in international cricket His last court appearance came at Wimbledon in July, where he lost to former US Open champion Marin Cilic. Despite pushing hard in training over the past few weeks, Draper could not reach full fitness in time for the Australian Open. In a message shared on social media, Draper expressed his disappointment. He said he was “gutted” to miss the tournament and had worked hard to return to the court, but added that his health had to come first. After speaking with his doctors and team, the decision was made to take more time off and allow the injury to heal properly. Draper’s absence is a setback for fans and for British tennis. He was seen as one of the rising stars of the men’s game after a strong run in recent seasons, including notable wins over higher-ranked players. He had also reached the second round of the Australian Open in 2024 and was expected to build on that performance this time. His team has made it clear that the focus is now on long-term recovery rather than rushing back. Draper is likely to target a return later in the season, possibly during the European clay-court events. The Australian Open is set to begin on January 18, but Draper’s wait for a comeback will continue.

British tennis player Jack Draper has withdrawn from the Australian Open 2026 due to a persistent arm injury. The 22-year-old will focus on recovery after struggling with fitness for over a year.

Jack Draper pulls out of Australian Open 2026 due to ongoing arm injury

From Matt Henry to Bernard Scholtz, here's a look at the top five bowlers with most ODI wickets in 2025. This list also includes Adil Rashid, Jayden Seales and Mitchell Santner

From Matt Henry to Bernard Scholtz, here's a look at the top five bowlers with most ODI wickets in 2025. This list also includes Adil Rashid, Jayden Seales and Mitchell Santner

Meet top 5 bowlers with most ODI wickets in 2025

Bangladesh cricket was left in shock on Saturday (Dec 27), as Mahbub Ali Zaki, assistant coach of Dhaka Capitals, passed away at the age of 59. The veteran coach suffered a sudden heart attack during pre-match warm-ups at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium ahead of the BPL clash against Rajshahi Warriors. Despite immediate CPR and being rushed to Al Haramain Hospital, Zaki was pronounced dead on arrival. Players, coaches, and match officials observed a minute’s silence before the game as a mark of respect.&nbsp;Zaki’s sudden passing is a huge loss to Bangladesh cricket, where he was widely regarded not only for his expertise but also for his dedication to nurturing young fast bowlers. He had been an integral part of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) for over 17 years, shaping the pace attack of the national team and helping emerging talents achieve their potential.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/six-hitter-of-2025-pakistan-s-farhan-stands-fifth-guess-who-takes-the-top-spot-1766834604093">Six-hitter of 2025: Pakistan’s Farhan stands fifth, guess who takes the top spot?</a><h2>Man Behind Taskin Ahmed’s Comeback</h2>Before his coaching career, Mahbub Ali Zaki was a right-arm fast bowler who represented Comilla District in the National Cricket Championship and played for major Dhaka Premier Division clubs, including Abahani Limited and Dhanmondi. His playing days laid the foundation for a deep understanding of pace bowling, which he carried into coaching.&nbsp;Joining the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) in 2008 as a high-performance coach, Zaki later became a ‘Specialist Pace Bowling Coach’ in the Game Development Department. He gained national recognition for his work with Taskin Ahmed during the 2016 T20 World Cup, when Taskin’s bowling action was reported as illegal. Zaki worked closely with Taskin to remodel his action, enabling the young pacer to return to international cricket successfully.<h2>Vision for Pace Academy</h2>Known for his discipline, work ethic, and approachable nature, Zaki had long-term plans to establish a dedicated fast-bowling academy in Bangladesh, inspired by India’s MRF Pace Foundation. His commitment to developing fast-bowling talent and his impact on players’ careers made him one of the most respected figures in Bangladeshi cricket.

Mahbub Ali Zaki, Bangladesh’s respected fast-bowling coach, passed away suddenly during BPL 2025. Known for mentoring Taskin Ahmed, he spent more than 17 years shaping the nation’s pace bowling talent.

Bangladesh cricket was left in shock on Saturday (Dec 27), as Mahbub Ali Zaki, assistant coach of Dhaka Capitals, passed away at the age of 59. The veteran coach suffered a sudden heart attack during pre-match warm-ups at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium ahead of the BPL clash against Rajshahi Warriors. Despite immediate CPR and being rushed to Al Haramain Hospital, Zaki was pronounced dead on arrival. Players, coaches, and match officials observed a minute’s silence before the game as a mark of respect. Zaki’s sudden passing is a huge loss to Bangladesh cricket, where he was widely regarded not only for his expertise but also for his dedication to nurturing young fast bowlers. He had been an integral part of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) for over 17 years, shaping the pace attack of the national team and helping emerging talents achieve their potential. Also read | Six-hitter of 2025: Pakistan’s Farhan stands fifth, guess who takes the top spot? Man Behind Taskin Ahmed’s Comeback Before his coaching career, Mahbub Ali Zaki was a right-arm fast bowler who represented Comilla District in the National Cricket Championship and played for major Dhaka Premier Division clubs, including Abahani Limited and Dhanmondi. His playing days laid the foundation for a deep understanding of pace bowling, which he carried into coaching. Joining the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) in 2008 as a high-performance coach, Zaki later became a ‘Specialist Pace Bowling Coach’ in the Game Development Department. He gained national recognition for his work with Taskin Ahmed during the 2016 T20 World Cup, when Taskin’s bowling action was reported as illegal. Zaki worked closely with Taskin to remodel his action, enabling the young pacer to return to international cricket successfully. Vision for Pace Academy Known for his discipline, work ethic, and approachable nature, Zaki had long-term plans to establish a dedicated fast-bowling academy in Bangladesh, inspired by India’s MRF Pace Foundation. His commitment to developing fast-bowling talent and his impact on players’ careers made him one of the most respected figures in Bangladeshi cricket.

Mahbub Ali Zaki, Bangladesh’s respected fast-bowling coach, passed away suddenly during BPL 2025. Known for mentoring Taskin Ahmed, he spent more than 17 years shaping the nation’s pace bowling talent.

Who was Mahbub Ali Zaki? The man behind Taskin Ahmed’s comeback in international cricket

Dhaka Capitals assistant coach Mahbub Ali Zaki tragically passed away on Saturday (Dec 27) after collapsing on the field before his team’s Bangladesh Premier League match against the Rajshahi Warriors in Sylhet. According to local media reports he suffered a heart attack. Despite immediate CPR and being rushed to Al Haramain Hospital, Zaki was pronounced dead on arrival. Players, coaches and match officials observed a minute’s silence before the game as a mark of respect.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The Bangladesh Cricket Board deeply mourns the passing of Mahbub Ali Zaki (59), Specialist Pace Bowling Coach of the BCB Game Development Department and Assistant Coach of Dhaka Capitals in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) T20 2026. He passed away today, 27 December 2025, in… <a href="https://t.co/KVv9FwrWOF">pic.twitter.com/KVv9FwrWOF</a>&mdash; Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCBtigers/status/2004829734606438675?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The BCB, where Zaki was employed for the last 17 years, posted on social media: "Following his playing career, Mahbub Ali Zaki dedicated himself to coaching and player development. He joined the BCB in 2008 as a High Performance coach and went on to make a significant contribution to the growth of pace bowling in the country through his work."&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/who-was-mahbub-ali-zaki-the-man-behind-taskin-ahmed-s-comeback-in-international-cricket-1766836937168">Who was Mahbub Ali Zaki? The man behind Taskin Ahmed’s comeback in international cricket</a>&nbsp;Before becoming a coach, Mahbub Ali Zaki was a right-arm fast bowler and played for Comilla District in the National Cricket Championship and also featured for top Dhaka Premier Division teams such as Abahani Limited and Dhanmondi. His time as a player helped him to build strong knowledge of fast bowling, which later shaped his coaching career.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-star-australian-batter-tim-david-suffers-injury-ahead-of-t20-world-cup-2026-1766831776422">WATCH | Star Australian batter Tim David suffers injury ahead of T20 World Cup 2026</a>&nbsp;Zaki joined the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) in 2008 as a high-performance coach. He later took on the role of Specialist Pace Bowling Coach in the Game Development Department and became widely known for helping Taskin Ahmed during the 2016 T20 World Cup, after Taskin’s bowling action was questioned by the ICC governing body.&nbsp;&nbsp;Zaki worked closely with him to correct the action, enabling the young pacer to return to international cricket successfully.

Despite immediate CPR and being rushed to Al Haramain Hospital, Zaki was pronounced dead on arrival. Players, coaches and match officials observed a minute’s silence before the game as a mark of respect.

Dhaka Capitals assistant coach Mahbub Ali Zaki tragically passed away on Saturday (Dec 27) after collapsing on the field before his team’s Bangladesh Premier League match against the Rajshahi Warriors in Sylhet. According to local media reports he suffered a heart attack. Despite immediate CPR and being rushed to Al Haramain Hospital, Zaki was pronounced dead on arrival. Players, coaches and match officials observed a minute’s silence before the game as a mark of respect.

Despite immediate CPR and being rushed to Al Haramain Hospital, Zaki was pronounced dead on arrival. Players, coaches and match officials observed a minute’s silence before the game as a mark of respect.

Bangladesh Premier League: Dhaka Capitals' assistant coach Mahbub Ali Zaki collapses before game, dies

From Kagiso Rabada to Sunil Narine, here's a look at the top five bowlers fastest to 50 wickets in Indian Premier League. This list also includes Lasith Malinga, Khaleel Ahmed and Imran Tahir

From Kagiso Rabada to Sunil Narine, here's a look at the top five bowlers fastest to 50 wickets in Indian Premier League. This list also includes Lasith Malinga, Khaleel Ahmed and Imran Tahir

Meet top 5 bowlers fastest to 50 wickets in Indian Premier League

Australia’s build-up to the T20 World Cup has taken a hit after their star middle-order batter Tim David likely injured his hamstring while playing in the Big Bash League, raising questions about his fitness for the upcoming tournament, which is nearly two months away. David batted well for the Hobart Hurricanes in their win over the Perth Scorchers in Perth when he likely injured himself. The 29-year-old felt pain while running a quick second run. After being treated on the field, he had to retire hurt on 42 off 28 balls and walked off the field, looking clearly disappointed.&nbsp;<h2>Watch the video</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Drama at Optus Stadium. Tim David has left the field with what looks to be a hamstring injury. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BBL15?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BBL15</a> <a href="https://t.co/UEIObKHnDr">pic.twitter.com/UEIObKHnDr</a>&mdash; KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) <a href="https://twitter.com/BBL/status/2004542739958865972?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The Hurricanes later confirmed that David will undergo scans to find out how serious the injury is. This is also a concern for Australia, with the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka starting on February 7.&nbsp;“I just felt a little bit of something when I was trying to come back for two...It’s not ideal, but I didn’t want to make it worse. We’ll wait and see," David told Channel 7 after the match."&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-updated-wtc-standings-england-halt-australia-s-perfect-record-with-boxing-day-test-win-india-stay-sixth-1766819292554">WTC standings: England halt Australia's perfect record with Boxing Day Test win</a>&nbsp;This is David’s second hamstring injury this year. Earlier, he suffered a major strain during the Indian Premier League that kept him out for two months and forced him to miss the playoffs for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.&nbsp;&nbsp;After he returned, Cricket Australia managed his workload carefully and later he played only three matches in the five-match T20I series against the West Indies.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-ashes-england-end-winless-streak-on-australian-soil-clinch-boxing-day-test-on-day-2-josh-tongue-gus-atkinson-ben-stokes-1766814817353">Ashes: England end winless streak in Australia, clinch Boxing Day Test on Day 2</a><h2>David's T20I stats</h2>David has represented Australia in 68 T20Is and scored 1,596 runs at an average of 36.30 and a strike rate of 168.90. His tally also includes nine half-centuries and a century.

This is David’s second hamstring injury this year. Earlier, he suffered a major strain during the Indian Premier League that kept him out for two months and forced him to miss the playoffs for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. 

Australia’s build-up to the T20 World Cup has taken a hit after their star middle-order batter Tim David likely injured his hamstring while playing in the Big Bash League, raising questions about his fitness for the upcoming tournament, which is nearly two months away. David batted well for the Hobart Hurricanes in their win over the Perth Scorchers in Perth when he likely injured himself. The 29-year-old felt pain while running a quick second run. After being treated on the field, he had to retire hurt on 42 off 28 balls and walked off the field, looking clearly disappointed. Watch the video

This is David’s second hamstring injury this year. Earlier, he suffered a major strain during the Indian Premier League that kept him out for two months and forced him to miss the playoffs for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.&nbsp;

WATCH | Star Australian batter Tim David suffers injury ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

sports

Sports, News on Sports, stories on Sports, articles on Sports, Sports stories at Wion, Sports news, Sports latest news

sports

2026 T20 World Cup: Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood in line to be included in Australia squad

Ashes: Atkinson ruled out of SCG Test; Khawaja locked in amid future uncertainty

Nick Kyrgios beats Aryna Sabalenka in 'Battle of the Sexes' in Dubai

Premier League: Calvert-Lewin stretches hot streak as Leeds hold Sunderland

IND-W vs SL-W: Smriti, Shafali impress as India extend dominance with win

Former England cricket team boss Hugh Morris dies aged 62

Smriti Mandhana joins elite club in fourth T20, completes 10k international runs

PM Modi praises Indian Women's team for ODI World Cup success

Meet four teams that survived EPL relegation despite being bottom at Christmas

Ashes: Ben Duckett finds unlikely support in Head over ‘drinking video’ episode

BCCI secretary denies ‘informal talks with Laxman’ reports, backs Gambhir

Legendary speedster Brett Lee inducted into Australian cricket Hall of Fame

‘Shocked’ MCG curator disappointed with Boxing Day Test result, vows to never…

SA20: Duan Jansen drives JSK to historic win over Capitals at Centurion

Here's how much Virat and Rohit earn per match in Vijay Hazare Trophy

Premier League: Arsenal back on top after Brighton win, Liverpool defeat Wolves

India announce squad for ICC U19 World Cup 2026, check India’s schedule

How Cape Town is gearing up SA20 and how it has become a centre of attraction

Suryavanshi to lead India U19 in South Africa ODIs ahead of U19 World Cup

'Trust is what separates strong teams from the rest', says Sofie ahead of season

Jack Draper pulls out of Australian Open 2026 due to ongoing arm injury

Meet top 5 bowlers with most ODI wickets in 2025

Who was Mahbub Ali Zaki? The man behind Taskin Ahmed’s comeback

BPL: Dhaka Capitals' assistant coach Zaki collapses before game, dies

Meet top 5 bowlers fastest to 50 wickets in Indian Premier League

WATCH | Star Australian batter Tim David suffers injury ahead of T20 WC 2026