Australian pace battery, alongside ace spinner Nathan Lyon, dominates the latest ICC rankings for bowlers. Mitchell Starc, who broke multiple records in his 6/9 against the West Indies in the just concluded Pink Ball Test, sits in the 10th place, while Scott Boland, who picked his maiden Test hat-trick in the same inning that wrapped up WI on 27 in the run chase, jumped six places to the sixth spot on the list. Captain Pat Cummins retained his place (in the third spot) with 838 ratings, while Lyon, who missed out on playing in Jamaica, dropped one place to seventh, but maintains his stance in the top ten.&nbsp;&nbsp;Besides, Hazlewood, who returned with three wickets in the final Test of the series, is behind Cummins in fourth place on the list. &nbsp;The list, dominated by the Aussies, also has Pakistan spinner Noman Ali in the fifth place, with South African quicks Kagiso Rabada (2) and Marco Jansen (9) also in the top ten. New Zealand seamer Matt Henry dropped one place to number seven, while India’s Jasprit Bumrah retained his place as the ranked number one Test bowler in the world.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/andre-russell-announces-international-retirement-reveals-final-match-and-opponent-wi-vs-aus-2025-t20is-1752728298036">Andre Russell announces international retirement, reveals final match and opponent</a> &nbsp;Following his heroics at the Lord’s, wherein he picked another five-for of this series, Bumrah maintained his place at the top with a 908 rating points. Bumrah, however, is also the second-highest wicket-taker in the series (12) after his teammate and bowling quick Mohammed Siraj (13).&nbsp;<h2>Root tops batting chart &nbsp;</h2>England great and batting veteran Joe Root topped the batting chart following his 37th Test hundred at the Lord’s, leapfrogging his teammate Harry Brook at the top. Root scored a hundred (104) and 40 across both innings in the third Test that England won by 22 runs, whereas now third-placed Brook managed just 34 runs (11 and 23) in the game. New Zealand’s Kane Williamson is second on the list.&nbsp; &nbsp;On the other hand, the Indian captain Shubman Gill, who enjoyed scoring massive runs in the first two Tests, including hitting his career-best 269, dropped three places from number six to nine following his mediocre run at Lord’s (16, 6). Keeper-batter Rishabh Pant, who endured a blow to his index finger while keeping, also dropped a place to number eight despite his fighting 74 in the first innings.&nbsp; &nbsp;However, among those who gained rating points and rankings are KL Rahul, who hit his second hundred at the Lord’s, jumping five places, and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who scored twin fifties in the match, including an almost match-winning unbeaten 61 in the second innings.&nbsp;

The list, dominated by the Aussies, also has a Pakistani bowler, two from South Africa, one from New Zealand and as many from India.

Australian pace battery, alongside ace spinner Nathan Lyon, dominates the latest ICC rankings for bowlers. Mitchell Starc, who broke multiple records in his 6/9 against the West Indies in the just concluded Pink Ball Test, sits in the 10th place, while Scott Boland, who picked his maiden Test hat-trick in the same inning that wrapped up WI on 27 in the run chase, jumped six places to the sixth spot on the list. Captain Pat Cummins retained his place (in the third spot) with 838 ratings, while Lyon, who missed out on playing in Jamaica, dropped one place to seventh, but maintains his stance in the top ten. Besides, Hazlewood, who returned with three wickets in the final Test of the series, is behind Cummins in fourth place on the list. The list, dominated by the Aussies, also has Pakistan spinner Noman Ali in the fifth place, with South African quicks Kagiso Rabada (2) and Marco Jansen (9) also in the top ten. New Zealand seamer Matt Henry dropped one place to number seven, while India’s Jasprit Bumrah retained his place as the ranked number one Test bowler in the world. Also read | Andre Russell announces international retirement, reveals final match and opponent Following his heroics at the Lord’s, wherein he picked another five-for of this series, Bumrah maintained his place at the top with a 908 rating points. Bumrah, however, is also the second-highest wicket-taker in the series (12) after his teammate and bowling quick Mohammed Siraj (13). Root tops batting chart England great and batting veteran Joe Root topped the batting chart following his 37th Test hundred at the Lord’s, leapfrogging his teammate Harry Brook at the top. Root scored a hundred (104) and 40 across both innings in the third Test that England won by 22 runs, whereas now third-placed Brook managed just 34 runs (11 and 23) in the game. New Zealand’s Kane Williamson is second on the list. On the other hand, the Indian captain Shubman Gill, who enjoyed scoring massive runs in the first two Tests, including hitting his career-best 269, dropped three places from number six to nine following his mediocre run at Lord’s (16, 6). Keeper-batter Rishabh Pant, who endured a blow to his index finger while keeping, also dropped a place to number eight despite his fighting 74 in the first innings. However, among those who gained rating points and rankings are KL Rahul, who hit his second hundred at the Lord’s, jumping five places, and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who scored twin fifties in the match, including an almost match-winning unbeaten 61 in the second innings.

The list, dominated by the Aussies, also has a Pakistani bowler, two from South Africa, one from New Zealand and as many from India.

Australia's pace attack dominates ICC rankings for bowlers, check Bumrah's position

From Mitchell Starc to Scott Boland, meet the four bowlers who have scalped the fastest five-wicket haul in Test cricket in terms of deliveries bowled. These bowlers unleashed raw pace, leaving the opposition batters clueless.

From Mitchell Starc to Scott Boland, meet the four bowlers who have scalped the fastest five-wicket haul in Test cricket in terms of deliveries bowled. These bowlers have unleashed raw pace, leaving the opposition batters clueless.

Meet the 4 bowlers with quickest five-wicket hauls in Test cricket

West Indies cricket chief Kishore Shallow announced on Tuesday (July 15) that he has requested an "emergency meeting" with former greats after the team was bowled out for just 27 runs in the third Test defeat to Australia. Australian pacer Mitchell Starc picked 6/9 as the West Indies recorded the second-lowest score in Test cricket history, suffering a humiliating 176-run defeat at Sabina Park on Monday.&nbsp;West Indies narrowly escaped New Zealand's 1955 record low of 26 runs, and Shallow announced that there would be an inquest to examine a woeful 3-0 series defeat. "The result hurts deeply, not only because of how we lost, but because of what West Indies cricket has always represented to our people: pride, identity, and possibility," Kishore said in a statement. “There will be some sleepless nights ahead for many of us, including the players, who I know feel this loss just as heavily,” he added.&nbsp;West Indies' lowest total was the 47 they made against England in 2004.&nbsp;&nbsp;"We are in a rebuilding phase, steadily investing in the next generation, and reigniting the spirit that has long made West Indies cricket a force in the world," said Kishore. "Progress is rarely straightforward. It takes time, perseverance, and belief, especially in our most difficult moments. The road ahead will test us," he added. "Now is not the time to turn away."&nbsp;Kishore said that he has invited former West Indies legends Clive Lloyd, Viv Richards and Brian Lara to participate in discussion regarding the team's fall which also saw them fail to qualify for the 50-over World Cup in 2023.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Starc became just the second bowler in the history of Tests to take three wickets in the first over of an innings — a feat previously pulled off by Irfan Pathan in 2006. In an astonishing 15-ball spell, Starc took a five-wicket haul — the quickest five-for in the history of Test cricket, eclipsing the earlier record of 19 balls shared between Ernie Toshack, Stuart Broad, and Scott Boland.&nbsp;In a mere 4.3 overs, Starc had sealed the devastation. In the process, he also achieved the milestone of 400 Test wickets, becoming just the fourth Australian to the record after Warne, McGrath, and Lyon. His 400th was taken in merely 19,064 balls, making him the second-quickest in terms of deliveries bowled, behind only Dale Steyn.

West Indies Cricket Board convenes emergency meeting after Aussie humbling

West Indies cricket chief Kishore Shallow announced on Tuesday (July 15) that he has requested an "emergency meeting" with former greats after the team was bowled out for just 27 runs in the third Test defeat to Australia. Australian pacer Mitchell Starc picked 6/9 as the West Indies recorded the second-lowest score in Test cricket history, suffering a humiliating 176-run defeat at Sabina Park on Monday. West Indies narrowly escaped New Zealand's 1955 record low of 26 runs, and Shallow announced that there would be an inquest to examine a woeful 3-0 series defeat. "The result hurts deeply, not only because of how we lost, but because of what West Indies cricket has always represented to our people: pride, identity, and possibility," Kishore said in a statement. “There will be some sleepless nights ahead for many of us, including the players, who I know feel this loss just as heavily,” he added. West Indies' lowest total was the 47 they made against England in 2004. "We are in a rebuilding phase, steadily investing in the next generation, and reigniting the spirit that has long made West Indies cricket a force in the world," said Kishore. "Progress is rarely straightforward. It takes time, perseverance, and belief, especially in our most difficult moments. The road ahead will test us," he added. "Now is not the time to turn away." Kishore said that he has invited former West Indies legends Clive Lloyd, Viv Richards and Brian Lara to participate in discussion regarding the team's fall which also saw them fail to qualify for the 50-over World Cup in 2023. Meanwhile, Starc became just the second bowler in the history of Tests to take three wickets in the first over of an innings — a feat previously pulled off by Irfan Pathan in 2006. In an astonishing 15-ball spell, Starc took a five-wicket haul — the quickest five-for in the history of Test cricket, eclipsing the earlier record of 19 balls shared between Ernie Toshack, Stuart Broad, and Scott Boland. In a mere 4.3 overs, Starc had sealed the devastation. In the process, he also achieved the milestone of 400 Test wickets, becoming just the fourth Australian to the record after Warne, McGrath, and Lyon. His 400th was taken in merely 19,064 balls, making him the second-quickest in terms of deliveries bowled, behind only Dale Steyn.

Left-hand pacer Mitchell Starc took 6/9 as the West Indies made the second-lowest score in Test cricket history, suffering a 176-run loss on Monday (July 15)

West Indies Cricket Board convenes 'emergency meeting' after Aussie humbling

Mitchell Starc could not have imagined a more dramatic script while playing his 100th Test. The Australian left-arm pacer unleashed a record spell, taking 6 wickets for a mere 9 runs, achieving the best-ever bowling figures for a 100th Test appearance, bettering Muttiah Muralitharan's 6/54 in 2006. But this was only the start.&nbsp;Starc became just the second bowler in the history of Tests to take three wickets in the first over of an innings — a feat previously pulled off by Irfan Pathan in 2006. In an astonishing 15-ball spell, Starc took a five-wicket haul — the quickest five-for in the history of Test cricket, eclipsing the earlier record of 19 balls shared between Ernie Toshack, Stuart Broad, and Scott Boland.&nbsp;In a mere 4.3 overs, Starc had sealed the devastation. In the process, he also achieved the milestone of 400 Test wickets, becoming just the fourth Australian to the record after Warne, McGrath, and Lyon. His 400th was taken in merely 19,064 balls, making him the second-quickest in terms of deliveries bowled, behind only Dale Steyn.&nbsp;This wasn’t just a bowling masterclass — it was Starc scripting a legacy under clear and sunny sky. The ball tailed in, swung late, and screamed menace — and the West Indies batters had no answers. Starc was not just celebrating a milestone; he was announcing that he’s far from done. In an era where fast bowlers are carefully managed and often rotated, Starc continues to defy time, rhythm, and sometimes even logic. His longevity is no less remarkable than his pace — still sharp, still lethal, still hungry. When Mitchell Starc runs in, there's always theatre. But in his 100th Test, he gave us a full-blown epic — a Game of Thrones-like carnage where the left-arm king reigned supreme.

A spell of ice and fire: Mitchell Starc burns through record books in his 100th Test

Mitchell Starc could not have imagined a more dramatic script while playing his 100th Test. The Australian left-arm pacer unleashed a record spell, taking 6 wickets for a mere 9 runs, achieving the best-ever bowling figures for a 100th Test appearance, bettering Muttiah Muralitharan's 6/54 in 2006. But this was only the start. Starc became just the second bowler in the history of Tests to take three wickets in the first over of an innings — a feat previously pulled off by Irfan Pathan in 2006. In an astonishing 15-ball spell, Starc took a five-wicket haul — the quickest five-for in the history of Test cricket, eclipsing the earlier record of 19 balls shared between Ernie Toshack, Stuart Broad, and Scott Boland. In a mere 4.3 overs, Starc had sealed the devastation. In the process, he also achieved the milestone of 400 Test wickets, becoming just the fourth Australian to the record after Warne, McGrath, and Lyon. His 400th was taken in merely 19,064 balls, making him the second-quickest in terms of deliveries bowled, behind only Dale Steyn. This wasn’t just a bowling masterclass — it was Starc scripting a legacy under clear and sunny sky. The ball tailed in, swung late, and screamed menace — and the West Indies batters had no answers. Starc was not just celebrating a milestone; he was announcing that he’s far from done. In an era where fast bowlers are carefully managed and often rotated, Starc continues to defy time, rhythm, and sometimes even logic. His longevity is no less remarkable than his pace — still sharp, still lethal, still hungry. When Mitchell Starc runs in, there's always theatre. But in his 100th Test, he gave us a full-blown epic — a Game of Thrones-like carnage where the left-arm king reigned supreme.

The Australian pacer took six wickets while giving away just nine runs from 7.3 overs. Australia beat West Indies by 176 runs to clean sweep the series 3-0

Australia captain Pat Cummins was full of praise for fellow speedster Mitchell Starc after he became the latest bowler to strike 400 wickets for the nation. Playing at Sabina Park in Jamaica, Starc scalped six wickets to narrow West Indies to the second-lowest total in Test cricket history as the hosts were dismissed for 27. After the win, Cummins highlighted Starc’s importance in the side, stating “he can tear a game open by himself” as the Aussies kickstarted the latest World Test Championship (WTC) cycle on a 3-0 series win.<h2>Cummins full of praise for Starc</h2>"He can tear a game open by himself really in the matter of a couple of overs. It feels like he can do it in any format, any time,” Cummins said after Australia’s 3-0 series win over West Indies. &nbsp;&nbsp;"I think a lot of the chat leading into this week is how resilient you need to be and professional to make it 100 Tests," Cummins said of Starc.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indian-bowlers-achieve-rare-test-record-at-lords-first-time-since-1955-1752498536717">In series dominated by batters, Indian bowlers achieve RARE Test record first time since 1955</a>&nbsp;Starc, 35, has been one of Australia’s most reliable assets in the last decade, having helped the team win two ODI World Cups, one T20 World Cup and the 2023 World Test Championship (WTC). However, despite his age, he has been ageing like a fine wine having played a pivotal role in Australia’s dominance in the three-match Test series.Extraordinary Starc leads the way&nbsp;The Aussie great was at fluent best on Monday, scalping the fastest five-wicket haul in Test cricket. It took only 15 deliveries for Starc to hit the bull’s eye, reminding his dominant display. Scott Boland also joined hands with three wickets of his own to add more assault on the Caribbean side. Having been bowled out for 27, West Indies registered the second-lowest total in Test history.

Playing at Sabina Park in Jamaica, Mitchell Starc scalped six wickets to narrow West Indies to the second-lowest total in Test cricket history as the hosts were dismissed for 27.

Australia captain Pat Cummins was full of praise for fellow speedster Mitchell Starc after he became the latest bowler to strike 400 wickets for the nation. Playing at Sabina Park in Jamaica, Starc scalped six wickets to narrow West Indies to the second-lowest total in Test cricket history as the hosts were dismissed for 27. After the win, Cummins highlighted Starc’s importance in the side, stating “he can tear a game open by himself” as the Aussies kickstarted the latest World Test Championship (WTC) cycle on a 3-0 series win. Cummins full of praise for Starc "He can tear a game open by himself really in the matter of a couple of overs. It feels like he can do it in any format, any time,” Cummins said after Australia’s 3-0 series win over West Indies. "I think a lot of the chat leading into this week is how resilient you need to be and professional to make it 100 Tests," Cummins said of Starc. ALSO READ | In series dominated by batters, Indian bowlers achieve RARE Test record first time since 1955 Starc, 35, has been one of Australia’s most reliable assets in the last decade, having helped the team win two ODI World Cups, one T20 World Cup and the 2023 World Test Championship (WTC). However, despite his age, he has been ageing like a fine wine having played a pivotal role in Australia’s dominance in the three-match Test series. Extraordinary Starc leads the way The Aussie great was at fluent best on Monday, scalping the fastest five-wicket haul in Test cricket. It took only 15 deliveries for Starc to hit the bull’s eye, reminding his dominant display. Scott Boland also joined hands with three wickets of his own to add more assault on the Caribbean side. Having been bowled out for 27, West Indies registered the second-lowest total in Test history.

Playing at Sabina Park in Jamaica, Mitchell Starc scalped six wickets to narrow West Indies to the second-lowest total in Test cricket history as the hosts were dismissed for 27.

'He can tear a game open by himself': Pat Cummins full of praise for Mitchell Starc after record-breaking spell

It was a day to forget for West Indies after the hosts were bowled out for a below-par score of 27 in the second innings of the third Test match against Australia on Monday (July 14). And one of the major reasons for the destruction was Aussie speedster Mitchell Starc, who bagged the fastest five-wicket haul in Test cricket while playing at Sabina Park in Jamaica. Starc also added another feather to his hat, completing 400 wickets in Test cricket.&nbsp;<h2>Starc demolished West Indies batting attack</h2>Playing in his milestone 100th Test match, Starc and Co were tasked to defend 204 runs to win the match when the onslaught started. He scalped John Campbell first ball, the fourth time in his career he had struck with the opening delivery of an innings to begin on an excellent note. Four balls later, debutant Kevlon Anderson shoulder arms as the ball swung back to strike his shin in front of the middle stump, yet he reviewed the plumbest of lbws.&nbsp;On the last ball of the first over Brandon King became Starc’s prey as he added three wickets in the opening over and West Indies were left at 0/3, the third such instance in Test cricket. Mikyle Louis survived the hat-trick ball at the start of Starc's second over, but fittingly his 400th wicket came with another trademark inswinger as he trapped Louis lbw, becoming the fourth Australian bowler to the landmark after Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Nathan Lyon.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indian-bowlers-achieve-rare-test-record-at-lords-first-time-since-1955-1752498536717">In series dominated by batters, Indian bowlers achieve RARE Test record first time since 1955</a>&nbsp;Starc would then complete his five-wicket haul in the third over when he got the better of Shai Hope lbw to round off a perfect day. He would return later to strike again and restrict West Indies to the second-lowest total in Test cricket at 27 as Starc got the better Jayden Seales.&nbsp;With the 176-run defeat, West Indies lost the series 3-0 to start the latest World Test Championship (WTC) cycle on a poor note.

One of the major reasons for the West Indies batting destruction was Aussie speedster Mitchell Starc, who bagged the fastest five-wicket haul in Test cricket while playing at Sabina Park in Jamaica.

It was a day to forget for West Indies after the hosts were bowled out for a below-par score of 27 in the second innings of the third Test match against Australia on Monday (July 14). And one of the major reasons for the destruction was Aussie speedster Mitchell Starc, who bagged the fastest five-wicket haul in Test cricket while playing at Sabina Park in Jamaica. Starc also added another feather to his hat, completing 400 wickets in Test cricket. Starc demolished West Indies batting attack Playing in his milestone 100th Test match, Starc and Co were tasked to defend 204 runs to win the match when the onslaught started. He scalped John Campbell first ball, the fourth time in his career he had struck with the opening delivery of an innings to begin on an excellent note. Four balls later, debutant Kevlon Anderson shoulder arms as the ball swung back to strike his shin in front of the middle stump, yet he reviewed the plumbest of lbws. On the last ball of the first over Brandon King became Starc’s prey as he added three wickets in the opening over and West Indies were left at 0/3, the third such instance in Test cricket. Mikyle Louis survived the hat-trick ball at the start of Starc's second over, but fittingly his 400th wicket came with another trademark inswinger as he trapped Louis lbw, becoming the fourth Australian bowler to the landmark after Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Nathan Lyon. ALSO READ | In series dominated by batters, Indian bowlers achieve RARE Test record first time since 1955 Starc would then complete his five-wicket haul in the third over when he got the better of Shai Hope lbw to round off a perfect day. He would return later to strike again and restrict West Indies to the second-lowest total in Test cricket at 27 as Starc got the better Jayden Seales. With the 176-run defeat, West Indies lost the series 3-0 to start the latest World Test Championship (WTC) cycle on a poor note.

One of the major reasons for the West Indies batting destruction was Aussie speedster Mitchell Starc, who bagged the fastest five-wicket haul in Test cricket while playing at Sabina Park in Jamaica.

Five wickets in 15 balls! Mitchell Starc bags fastest five-wicket haul in West Indies demolition

Pakistan fast bowling legend Wasim Akram on Saturday hailed Australia's Mitchell Starc as a "modern-day great" for reaching 100 Test appearances.Starc, who draws comparisons with fellow left-arm quick Akram, will reach the milestone later Saturday when the third Test against the West Indies begins in Jamaica.&nbsp;"It is a big deal in this day and age to reach 100 Tests, congratulations to Starc," Akram told AFP. &nbsp;“That shows the quality and resolve of the man.”&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/day-night-test-australia-could-deny-nathan-lyon-a-shot-at-history-in-pink-ball-tie-know-how-pat-cummins-1752319819295">Day/Night Test: Australia could deny Nathan Lyon a shot at history in pink-ball tie, know how</a>&nbsp;The 35-year-old becomes the 83rd player and 16th Australian to play 100 Tests, and only the second Australian fast bowler after Glenn McGrath.&nbsp;"To play 100 Tests shows how consistent Starc has been and also shows where his priorities lie -- that is to play red-ball cricket," said Akram. &nbsp;“He has also played Twenty20 and league cricket, but his career in Test cricket is way ahead, and to me he is a modern-day great.”&nbsp;Starc stands on 395 Test wickets, so has the tantalising prospect of taking his landmark 400th wicket during his 100th Test. His strike rate is remarkably similar to Akram, who retired in 2002 after taking 414 wickets in 104 Tests.&nbsp;Both players, said Akram, had suffered injuries to "every joint, every part of the body" during their careers.&nbsp;&nbsp;"People often compare us, but we have played in different eras," said Akram. "He's got the pace, he's got the swing and he's bowling very intelligently to the new batsman, especially with the new ball."&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 the WION audience.&nbsp;

The 35-year-old becomes the 83rd player and 16th Australian to play 100 Tests, and only the second Australian fast bowler after Glenn McGrath.

Pakistan fast bowling legend Wasim Akram on Saturday hailed Australia's Mitchell Starc as a "modern-day great" for reaching 100 Test appearances. Starc, who draws comparisons with fellow left-arm quick Akram, will reach the milestone later Saturday when the third Test against the West Indies begins in Jamaica. "It is a big deal in this day and age to reach 100 Tests, congratulations to Starc," Akram told AFP. “That shows the quality and resolve of the man.” Also read | Day/Night Test: Australia could deny Nathan Lyon a shot at history in pink-ball tie, know how The 35-year-old becomes the 83rd player and 16th Australian to play 100 Tests, and only the second Australian fast bowler after Glenn McGrath. "To play 100 Tests shows how consistent Starc has been and also shows where his priorities lie -- that is to play red-ball cricket," said Akram. “He has also played Twenty20 and league cricket, but his career in Test cricket is way ahead, and to me he is a modern-day great.” Starc stands on 395 Test wickets, so has the tantalising prospect of taking his landmark 400th wicket during his 100th Test. His strike rate is remarkably similar to Akram, who retired in 2002 after taking 414 wickets in 104 Tests. Both players, said Akram, had suffered injuries to "every joint, every part of the body" during their careers. "People often compare us, but we have played in different eras," said Akram. "He's got the pace, he's got the swing and he's bowling very intelligently to the new batsman, especially with the new ball." 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 the WION audience.

The 35-year-old becomes the 83rd player and 16th Australian to play 100 Tests, and only the second Australian fast bowler after Glenn McGrath.

Pakistan legend hails ‘modern-day’ great Starc on 100-Test milestone

From Shoaib Akhtar to Mitchell Starc, let's have a look at top ten fastest bowlers of all time. The list also features Shaun Tait, Brett Lee, Jeff Thomson, Andy Roberts, Mitchell Johnson, Fidel Edwards and Shane Bond.

From Shoaib Akhtar to Mitchell Starc, let's have a look at top ten fastest bowlers of all time. The list also features Shaun Tait, Brett Lee, Jeff Thomson, Andy Roberts, Mitchell Johnson, Fidel Edwards and Shane Bond.

From Shoaib Akhtar to Mitchell Starc: Top 10 fastest bowlers of all time

Here’s a look at the five players with the most runs in Test cricket without a century featuring legendary players like Mitchell Starc and Shane Warne. The list also includes Niroshan Dickwella and Tim Southee. 

Here’s a look at the five players with the most runs in Test cricket without a century featuring legendary players like Mitchell Starc and Shane Warne. The list also includes Niroshan Dickwella and Tim Southee.&nbsp;

From Shane Warne to Mitchell Starc, meet 5 batters with most runs in Test cricket without a century

Aussie quick Mitchell Starc opened up on missing the last leg of the just-concluded IPL 2025. Representing Delhi Capitals this year - his third IPL team in as many seasons in the cash-rich league, the left-arm seamer decided against returning following a nine-day break caused by escalating cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan. Having earlier skipped the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan for personal reasons, Starc said he is comfortable with his decisions and how he felt about the whole situation.&nbsp;After India launched ‘Operation Sindoor’ on its neighbours in response to the Pahalgam terror attack led by Pakistan-based terrorists, the BCCI and the IPL suspended the tournament midway, asking all overseas players to fly home. However, after a ceasefire agreement between the two countries a couple of days later, the stakeholders and the Indian board decided to resume it shortly.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/eng-vs-ind-2025-boost-for-england-as-jofra-archer-in-line-for-test-return-against-india-after-four-years-1749200965881">ENG vs IND 2025: Boost for England as Jofra Archer in line for Test return after four years</a> &nbsp;Upon considering all factors, the tournament began after nine days, further complicating franchise league and international commitments for plenty of foreign players. While a few returned to play the remainder of the season for their respective teams, including several Aussies like Travis Head and Pat Cummins for SRH and Josh Hazlewood (RCB), among others, Starc decided against returning.&nbsp; &nbsp;Although a lack of clarity over the tournament's future held him back, Starc's aim to prepare for the upcoming 2025 World Test Championship (WTC) Final against South Africa was the other reason. Speaking for the first time since skipping the IPL 2025 last leg, Starc said,&nbsp; &nbsp;"I’m comfortable with my decision and how I felt about the whole situation and how it was handled. That’s why I made my decision post-that, and my focus changed to red-ball cricket for about a week prior to coming over here. Time will tell with repercussions or how it looks with guys that didn’t return. But I’ve had my questions and concerns leading into that game, and obviously, we saw what happened, which played a part in my decision.” &nbsp;"There was a little bit of that to my decision around the Champions Trophy in Pakistan. And then once the tournament was delayed, you start to think about guys’ preparation for the Test match," he continued in a chat with the Sydney Morning Herald.<h2>‘I am committed to the Delhi group’ &nbsp;</h2>Among the two Aussie players who decided against returning were opener Jake Fraser-McGurk and Starc, and looking back at this, Starc feels it’s an individual decision, and he’s happy to accept whatever comes with it. The fast bowler, however, echoed his commitment towards his IPL&nbsp;franchise.&nbsp; &nbsp;"Things were handled differently for different players and different teams. The guys up in Dharamsala, the Punjab guys, were part of that, and while both teams had similar experiences up there, all those guys returned for Punjab, and Jake Fraser-McGurk and I chose not to. So it was a very individual decision, and I’m happy to live with whatever comes of that," he continued.&nbsp; &nbsp;“I’m still heavily committed to the Delhi group, and I’m not someone that’s gone into tournaments and pulled out after being picked up in an auction or whatever that looks like. These are different circumstances. &nbsp;“It was more a question of not having enough information leading into making a decision about things of that degree. I had a discussion back home, then came to a decision, and whatever comes from that, I’m comfortable with that, and we move forward," he concluded.&nbsp;

‘I am comfortable with my decision,’ Mitchell Starc on skipping IPL 2025 last leg

Aussie quick Mitchell Starc opened up on missing the last leg of the just-concluded IPL 2025. Representing Delhi Capitals this year - his third IPL team in as many seasons in the cash-rich league, the left-arm seamer decided against returning following a nine-day break caused by escalating cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan. Having earlier skipped the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan for personal reasons, Starc said he is comfortable with his decisions and how he felt about the whole situation. After India launched ‘Operation Sindoor’ on its neighbours in response to the Pahalgam terror attack led by Pakistan-based terrorists, the BCCI and the IPL suspended the tournament midway, asking all overseas players to fly home. However, after a ceasefire agreement between the two countries a couple of days later, the stakeholders and the Indian board decided to resume it shortly. Also read | ENG vs IND 2025: Boost for England as Jofra Archer in line for Test return after four years Upon considering all factors, the tournament began after nine days, further complicating franchise league and international commitments for plenty of foreign players. While a few returned to play the remainder of the season for their respective teams, including several Aussies like Travis Head and Pat Cummins for SRH and Josh Hazlewood (RCB), among others, Starc decided against returning. Although a lack of clarity over the tournament's future held him back, Starc's aim to prepare for the upcoming 2025 World Test Championship (WTC) Final against South Africa was the other reason. Speaking for the first time since skipping the IPL 2025 last leg, Starc said, "I’m comfortable with my decision and how I felt about the whole situation and how it was handled. That’s why I made my decision post-that, and my focus changed to red-ball cricket for about a week prior to coming over here. Time will tell with repercussions or how it looks with guys that didn’t return. But I’ve had my questions and concerns leading into that game, and obviously, we saw what happened, which played a part in my decision.” "There was a little bit of that to my decision around the Champions Trophy in Pakistan. And then once the tournament was delayed, you start to think about guys’ preparation for the Test match," he continued in a chat with the Sydney Morning Herald. ‘I am committed to the Delhi group’ Among the two Aussie players who decided against returning were opener Jake Fraser-McGurk and Starc, and looking back at this, Starc feels it’s an individual decision, and he’s happy to accept whatever comes with it. The fast bowler, however, echoed his commitment towards his IPL franchise. "Things were handled differently for different players and different teams. The guys up in Dharamsala, the Punjab guys, were part of that, and while both teams had similar experiences up there, all those guys returned for Punjab, and Jake Fraser-McGurk and I chose not to. So it was a very individual decision, and I’m happy to live with whatever comes of that," he continued. “I’m still heavily committed to the Delhi group, and I’m not someone that’s gone into tournaments and pulled out after being picked up in an auction or whatever that looks like. These are different circumstances. “It was more a question of not having enough information leading into making a decision about things of that degree. I had a discussion back home, then came to a decision, and whatever comes from that, I’m comfortable with that, and we move forward," he concluded.

While a few returned to play the remainder of the season for their respective teams, including several Aussies like Travis Head and Pat Cummins for SRH and Josh Hazlewood (RCB), among others, Starc decided against returning.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 league stage is over and the top four teams are decided for the playoff games. The 70 league stage games saw many records being broken and new ones being set.<h2>Have a look at the top stats from IPL 2025 league stage games</h2>Highest Team TotalSunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) posted 286/6 in only second match of the season and it remained the highest total by a team for rest of the IPL 2025. They posted this total against Rajasthan Royals in Hyderabad.Most RunsGujarat Titans opener Sai Sudharsan racked up 679 runs in 14 matches - the highest by any player in league stage. He scored these runs at an average of 52 and a strike rate of 155 with five fifties and a hundred.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jitesh-survives-rathi-run-out-appeal-at-non-striker-end-heres-what-the-rule-says-1748412723483">Jitesh survives Rathi's run-out appeal at non-striker end. Here's what the rule says</a>Highest Individual ScoreSRH opener Abhishek Sharma scored a belligerent 141 off just 55 balls - the highest individual score in IPL 2025. Abhishek also hit 14 fours and 10 sixes in his swashbuckling innings.Most WicketsChennai Super Kings (CSK) spinner Noor Ahmed picked up 24 wickets in 14 games - the highest by any bowler in IPL 2025 league stage. He picked those wickets at an average of 17 with a best of 4/18.Best Bowling in an InningsDelhi Capitals pacer Mitchell Starc took 5/35 against SRH - the best bowling performance in an innings by a bowler in IPL 2025 league stage.Highest Partnership by RunsGT openers Shubman Gill and Sudharsan added unbeaten 205 runs for the first wicket vs DC - this is not only the highest opening partnership of IPL 2025 league stage but the highest by runs across wickets as well.With four playoff games left in the season, some of these records might change but so far IPL 2025 has been a blockbuster season for batters at least.

With four playoff games left in the season, some of these records might change but so far IPL 2025 has been a blockbuster season for batters at least.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 league stage is over and the top four teams are decided for the playoff games. The 70 league stage games saw many records being broken and new ones being set. Have a look at the top stats from IPL 2025 league stage games Highest Team Total SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) posted 286/6 in only second match of the season and it remained the highest total by a team for rest of the IPL 2025. They posted this total against Rajasthan Royals in Hyderabad. Most Runs Gujarat Titans opener Sai Sudharsan racked up 679 runs in 14 matches - the highest by any player in league stage. He scored these runs at an average of 52 and a strike rate of 155 with five fifties and a hundred. Also Read - Jitesh survives Rathi's run-out appeal at non-striker end. Here's what the rule says Highest Individual Score SRH opener Abhishek Sharma scored a belligerent 141 off just 55 balls - the highest individual score in IPL 2025. Abhishek also hit 14 fours and 10 sixes in his swashbuckling innings. Most Wickets Chennai Super Kings (CSK) spinner Noor Ahmed picked up 24 wickets in 14 games - the highest by any bowler in IPL 2025 league stage. He picked those wickets at an average of 17 with a best of 4/18. Best Bowling in an Innings Delhi Capitals pacer Mitchell Starc took 5/35 against SRH - the best bowling performance in an innings by a bowler in IPL 2025 league stage. Highest Partnership by Runs GT openers Shubman Gill and Sudharsan added unbeaten 205 runs for the first wicket vs DC - this is not only the highest opening partnership of IPL 2025 league stage but the highest by runs across wickets as well. With four playoff games left in the season, some of these records might change but so far IPL 2025 has been a blockbuster season for batters at least.

With four playoff games left in the season, some of these records might change but so far IPL 2025 has been a blockbuster season for batters at least.

From Abhishek's 141 to Starc's 5/35 - Check out all stats from IPL 2025 league stage

Misery continues to rain on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/delhi-capitals" rel="dofollow">Delhi Capitals (DC)</a> in the Indian Premier League as several overseas players opt out of the ongoing season. After BCCI announced the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ipl-2025" rel="dofollow">IPL 2025</a> resumption plan, starting this Saturday (May 17) and ending on June 3 (Tuesday) following its suspension, the revised schedule clashed with the international calendar.
Among the boards whose most players featured in IPL 2025, Cricket Australia, Cricket South Africa, the ECB and CWI have their respective matches lined up during or around the IPL 2025 final date, putting plenty of those in a tight spot over abiding national and franchise commitments. However, those not part of any squad picked for the upcoming series have begun opting out due to security concerns.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-mitchell-johnson-slams-bcci-for-forcing-overseas-players-to-play-remainder-of-ipl-2025-psl-indian-board-9074905" rel="dofollow">Mitchell Johnson slams BCCI for &lsquo;forcing&rsquo; overseas players to play remainder of IPL 2025</a>
The list continues to grow, mainly for the Delhi-based franchise.&nbsp;
After Australian seamer <a href="Mitchell%20Starc%20opts%20out%20of%20remainder%20of%20IPL%202025%20as%20Delhi%20Capitals%20resume%20training%20&ndash;%20Report" rel="dofollow">Mitchell Starc decided against playing the remainder of the season</a> to stay fresh for the WTC Final 2025 (against South Africa starting June 11 at Lord&rsquo;s), the South African duo of opener and vice-captain Faf du Plessis and all-rounder Donovan Ferreira followed the same path, not returning for the remainder of IPL 2025.
Opener Jake Fraser-McGurk had said no to returning to India for the tournament, with DC replacing him with Bangladesh seamer Mustafizur Rahman; his participation, however, remains unclear as he is currently in the UAE for the two-match T20Is against the hosts.
Though Rahman could land in India any day beyond May 21, DC batter Tristan Stubbs would depart after May 25 to link up with the South African squad to prepare for the WTC Final 2025.
<h2>More on Aussie players</h2>
On the other hand, several Australian players, including SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) pair Pat Cummins and Travis Head, have decided to rejoin their IPL franchise for the remainder of the tournament.&nbsp;
As SRH is already out of the Playoffs race, both would get free by May 25, having ample time to be ready for the South Africa tie.
While RCB sweats over Josh Hazlewood&rsquo;s availability, who is nursing a shoulder niggle, Punjab Kings gloveman Josh Inglis would not be returning to India. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) opener Mitchell Marsh will be back for the franchise.&nbsp;

DC opener Jake Fraser-McGurk had said no to returning to India for the tournament, with the franchise replacing him with Bangladesh seamer Mustafizur Rahman. Sports, Cricket

Misery continues to rain on Delhi Capitals (DC) in the Indian Premier League as several overseas players opt out of the ongoing season. After BCCI announced the IPL 2025 resumption plan, starting this Saturday (May 17) and ending on June 3 (Tuesday) following its suspension, the revised schedule clashed with the international calendar. Among the boards whose most players featured in IPL 2025, Cricket Australia, Cricket South Africa, the ECB and CWI have their respective matches lined up during or around the IPL 2025 final date, putting plenty of those in a tight spot over abiding national and franchise commitments. However, those not part of any squad picked for the upcoming series have begun opting out due to security concerns. Also read | Mitchell Johnson slams BCCI for ‘forcing’ overseas players to play remainder of IPL 2025 The list continues to grow, mainly for the Delhi-based franchise. After Australian seamer Mitchell Starc decided against playing the remainder of the season to stay fresh for the WTC Final 2025 (against South Africa starting June 11 at Lord’s), the South African duo of opener and vice-captain Faf du Plessis and all-rounder Donovan Ferreira followed the same path, not returning for the remainder of IPL 2025. Opener Jake Fraser-McGurk had said no to returning to India for the tournament, with DC replacing him with Bangladesh seamer Mustafizur Rahman; his participation, however, remains unclear as he is currently in the UAE for the two-match T20Is against the hosts. Though Rahman could land in India any day beyond May 21, DC batter Tristan Stubbs would depart after May 25 to link up with the South African squad to prepare for the WTC Final 2025. More on Aussie players On the other hand, several Australian players, including SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) pair Pat Cummins and Travis Head, have decided to rejoin their IPL franchise for the remainder of the tournament. As SRH is already out of the Playoffs race, both would get free by May 25, having ample time to be ready for the South Africa tie. While RCB sweats over Josh Hazlewood’s availability, who is nursing a shoulder niggle, Punjab Kings gloveman Josh Inglis would not be returning to India. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) opener Mitchell Marsh will be back for the franchise.

Misery mounts on Delhi Capitals as star overseas players continue to opt out of IPL 2025

Australian pacer <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/mitchell-starc" rel="dofollow">Mitchell Starc</a> has decided against returning to play in the remainder of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ipl-2025" rel="dofollow">IPL 2025</a> for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/delhi-capitals" rel="dofollow">Delhi Capitals</a>, as the franchise resumes training ahead of their home game against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/gujarat-titans" rel="dofollow">Gujarat Titans</a> on Sunday (May 18). Per the latest report, Starc has informed DC about his decision, with the IPL side prepared to fight for their maiden IPL title without their top wicket-taker thus far this season.
A Times of India (TOI) report states that Starc was not part of DC&rsquo;s first training session at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Thursday (May 15), while Sri Lankan seamer Dushmantha Chameera was the only overseas player present at the team practice. South African players, including Faf du Plessis and Tristan Stubbs, will rejoin the team soon, while team mentor Kevin Pietersen has landed in India, linking up with the squad on Friday.
Delhi will host Gujarat on Sunday at home, but will train at the franchise&rsquo;s training ground in Aerocity on Friday. GT also landed in the capital city on Thursday evening and is scheduled to begin practice for their first game this Sunday.
<h2>Changes in the MI squad</h2>
Due to national commitments, several English and South African players scheduled to feature for their countries, including Mumbai Indians&rsquo; overseas duo of Will Jacks and Ryan Rickelton, will not be part of the IPL 2025 Playoffs should MI qualify.&nbsp;
Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed that all WTC-Final-bound players playing in the cash-rich league must leave the tournament by May 25 to prepare for the summit clash against Australia starting June 11 at Lord&rsquo;s.
Rickelton, part of the Test squad for the WTC Final 2025, would be among the eight South African players who would link up with the Test squad. Per the latest report, MI have roped in England batter Jonny Bairstow and seamer Richard Gleeson as their replacements for the remainder of the season.&nbsp;
As England hosts West Indies for the white-ball series, starting with three ODIs on May 29, the same day IPL 2025 Playoffs get underway, Jacks will return home; although he landed in India following the tournament&rsquo;s resumption update.&nbsp;
Bairstow, his replacement, remained unsold at the mega auction in November last year and has not featured for England since June 2024. On the other hand, Gleeson, 37, made his IPL debut last season while playing for Chennai Super Kings.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians sit in fourth place on the points table with 14 points from 12 contested matches.&nbsp;

During his debut season with Delhi Capitals, Mitchell Starc has picked up 14 wickets in 12 contested matches, including a five-wicket haul. Sports, Cricket

Australian pacer Mitchell Starc has decided against returning to play in the remainder of IPL 2025 for Delhi Capitals, as the franchise resumes training ahead of their home game against Gujarat Titans on Sunday (May 18). Per the latest report, Starc has informed DC about his decision, with the IPL side prepared to fight for their maiden IPL title without their top wicket-taker thus far this season. A Times of India (TOI) report states that Starc was not part of DC’s first training session at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Thursday (May 15), while Sri Lankan seamer Dushmantha Chameera was the only overseas player present at the team practice. South African players, including Faf du Plessis and Tristan Stubbs, will rejoin the team soon, while team mentor Kevin Pietersen has landed in India, linking up with the squad on Friday. Delhi will host Gujarat on Sunday at home, but will train at the franchise’s training ground in Aerocity on Friday. GT also landed in the capital city on Thursday evening and is scheduled to begin practice for their first game this Sunday. Changes in the MI squad Due to national commitments, several English and South African players scheduled to feature for their countries, including Mumbai Indians’ overseas duo of Will Jacks and Ryan Rickelton, will not be part of the IPL 2025 Playoffs should MI qualify. Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed that all WTC-Final-bound players playing in the cash-rich league must leave the tournament by May 25 to prepare for the summit clash against Australia starting June 11 at Lord’s. Rickelton, part of the Test squad for the WTC Final 2025, would be among the eight South African players who would link up with the Test squad. Per the latest report, MI have roped in England batter Jonny Bairstow and seamer Richard Gleeson as their replacements for the remainder of the season. As England hosts West Indies for the white-ball series, starting with three ODIs on May 29, the same day IPL 2025 Playoffs get underway, Jacks will return home; although he landed in India following the tournament’s resumption update. Bairstow, his replacement, remained unsold at the mega auction in November last year and has not featured for England since June 2024. On the other hand, Gleeson, 37, made his IPL debut last season while playing for Chennai Super Kings. Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians sit in fourth place on the points table with 14 points from 12 contested matches.

Mitchell Starc opts out of remainder of IPL 2025 as Delhi Capitals resume training – Report

Australian cricketer <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/alyssa-healy">Alyssa Healy</a>, currently in India to support her husband <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/mitchell-starc">Mitchell Starc</a> during the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/indian-premier-league">IPL</a> 2025 season, shared a chilling account of the chaos that unfolded in Dharamshala following a sudden power blackout during the IPL match between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Delhi Capitals (DC) on May 8, 2025.
What began as a thrilling cricket match quickly descended into confusion and panic, not just for the players on the field but also for their families and support staff watching from the stands.
Speaking candidly in an interview, Healy described the eerie moment when the lights at the HPCA Stadium went out unexpectedly, plunging the entire arena into darkness. &ldquo;It was surreal. One moment we were enjoying the game, and the next, everything went black. There was no communication, no explanation &ndash; just darkness and uncertainty,&rdquo; she recalled.
<h2>'It was very quite scary'</h2>
What followed was even more disturbing. Healy revealed that players&rsquo; families and non-playing members were hurriedly evacuated from the venue. &ldquo;We were crammed into vans, quite literally shoved in without any clear idea of what was going on,&rdquo; she recalled. &ldquo;It was very disorganised, and frankly, quite scary. We didn&rsquo;t know if it was a technical glitch or something more serious.&rdquo;
&ldquo;Starcy even said at one point, &lsquo;I heard a town got smacked by a missile.&rsquo; It sounds outrageous, but in that moment of chaos and fear, anything seemed possible,&rdquo; Healy recounted.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wion-exclusive-india-has-potential-to-be-an-olympic-powerhouse-says-gary-hall-high-performance-director-at-inspire-institute-of-sport-9067800">WION Exclusive | 'India has potential to be an Olympic powerhouse', says Gary Hall, High Performance Director at Inspire Institute of Sport</a>
The scene was further marked by confusion as several players, including Faf du Plessis, were seen scrambling to evacuate without having time to gather their belongings. &ldquo;Faf didn&rsquo;t even have shoes on. That&rsquo;s how sudden everything was. No one knew what was happening or what we were being evacuated from,&rdquo; Healy added.
But perhaps the most unnerving aspect of the ordeal, according to Healy, came in the aftermath &ndash; when they were informed that travel out of Dharamshala might need to be done by train, given logistical disruptions and the suspension of flights. &ldquo;That was the scariest part of all,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;The idea of traveling by train, especially given the current political tensions, just felt unsafe. It was the uncertainty that made it terrifying.&rdquo;
&ldquo;As players and families, we understand the risks of travel and competition. But in a tournament as big as the IPL, there must be clear protocols and assurances for everyone&rsquo;s safety. No one should be left in the dark &ndash; literally or figuratively,&rdquo; Healy concluded.

India News, Sports: On May 8, the organisers asked the stadium to be evacuated for security reasons soon after the fall of the first wicket when at least two floodlights were off

Australian cricketer Alyssa Healy, currently in India to support her husband Mitchell Starc during the IPL 2025 season, shared a chilling account of the chaos that unfolded in Dharamshala following a sudden power blackout during the IPL match between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Delhi Capitals (DC) on May 8, 2025. What began as a thrilling cricket match quickly descended into confusion and panic, not just for the players on the field but also for their families and support staff watching from the stands. Speaking candidly in an interview, Healy described the eerie moment when the lights at the HPCA Stadium went out unexpectedly, plunging the entire arena into darkness. “It was surreal. One moment we were enjoying the game, and the next, everything went black. There was no communication, no explanation – just darkness and uncertainty,” she recalled. 'It was very quite scary' What followed was even more disturbing. Healy revealed that players’ families and non-playing members were hurriedly evacuated from the venue. “We were crammed into vans, quite literally shoved in without any clear idea of what was going on,” she recalled. “It was very disorganised, and frankly, quite scary. We didn’t know if it was a technical glitch or something more serious.” “Starcy even said at one point, ‘I heard a town got smacked by a missile.’ It sounds outrageous, but in that moment of chaos and fear, anything seemed possible,” Healy recounted. Also Read: WION Exclusive | 'India has potential to be an Olympic powerhouse', says Gary Hall, High Performance Director at Inspire Institute of Sport The scene was further marked by confusion as several players, including Faf du Plessis, were seen scrambling to evacuate without having time to gather their belongings. “Faf didn’t even have shoes on. That’s how sudden everything was. No one knew what was happening or what we were being evacuated from,” Healy added. But perhaps the most unnerving aspect of the ordeal, according to Healy, came in the aftermath – when they were informed that travel out of Dharamshala might need to be done by train, given logistical disruptions and the suspension of flights. “That was the scariest part of all,” she said. “The idea of traveling by train, especially given the current political tensions, just felt unsafe. It was the uncertainty that made it terrifying.” “As players and families, we understand the risks of travel and competition. But in a tournament as big as the IPL, there must be clear protocols and assurances for everyone’s safety. No one should be left in the dark – literally or figuratively,” Healy concluded.

IPL 2025 | 'We were crammed into vans': Starc's wife Healy recalls dreadful night the PBKS-DC match was abandoned

The BCCI and IPL franchises have started mounting pressure on overseas boards to have their players return to play the IPL's resumption on May 17.
The BCCI's leadership has directed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/indian-premier-league">IPL</a> COO Hemang Amin to personally approach the likes of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/cricket-australia">Cricket Australia</a> and England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in order to mitigate the fears that the players might have about returning to India.
All the 10 teams are having several back and forth discussions with their foreign players in regards to their plans of arrival in India a day after the IPL declared the new schedule after requisite security clearances from the government.
The IPL was put on hold on May 9 due to rising India-Pakistan tensions
"We have been speaking to the foreign boards individually while teams are directly dealing with their players. We expect majority of them to return," a BCCI official told PTI on Tuesday.
CA has left it in the hands of the players to make their decision and in situations like these, the players' association has something to say.
Team officials, however, informed PTI that some of the foreign players are still eager to return but most of them should return prior to the resumption of the tournament.
"The revised scheduled was announced last night. We have just started contacting our foreign players over their availability. We will have a clearer picture by tomorrow morning. Anyway our game is on May 20. We have enough time," said CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan.
CSK foreign players are Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Sam Curran, Jamie Overton, Noor Ahmad and Matheesha Pathirana.
<h2>Stoinis unlikely to return; Cummins set to fly back</h2>
At Punjab Kings, Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis and fellow countryman Josh Inglis won't be returning to India although head coach Ricky Ponting is doing his level best to persuade them.
Aussie countrymen Xavier Bartlett and Aaron Hardie and Afghanistan's Azmatullah Omarzai and South African Marco Jansen will return.
"The foreign players were scared at that time and understandably so. The BCCI showed the safety of the players is paramount by ensuring they all got back home safely. Now the situation has got better, the players should return. However, some of them still remain on the edge," said an IPL official.
Like Chennai Super Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad too are out of the tournament but the franchise is hopeful that captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/pat-cummins">Pat Cummins</a> and Travis Head will be back for the last three league matches. "We are hopeful that most of foreign players will be back including the captain," a team official said.
Delhi Capitals, who are still in the race for a top-four position, spoke to their foreign players on Tuesday morning and are expecting to hear back from them. Australian fast bowler <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/mitchell-starc">Mitchell Starc</a> is one of DC's star players.
"We hope that all of them come back. We will get to know about it by tomorrow," replied a team official.
The IPL final on May 25 has been rescheduled to June 3.

India News, Sports: The remainder of the tournament will be played across six venues - Bengaluru, Jaipur, Delhi, Lucknow, Mumbai and Ahmedabad

The BCCI and IPL franchises have started mounting pressure on overseas boards to have their players return to play the IPL's resumption on May 17. The BCCI's leadership has directed IPL COO Hemang Amin to personally approach the likes of Cricket Australia and England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in order to mitigate the fears that the players might have about returning to India. All the 10 teams are having several back and forth discussions with their foreign players in regards to their plans of arrival in India a day after the IPL declared the new schedule after requisite security clearances from the government. The IPL was put on hold on May 9 due to rising India-Pakistan tensions "We have been speaking to the foreign boards individually while teams are directly dealing with their players. We expect majority of them to return," a BCCI official told PTI on Tuesday. CA has left it in the hands of the players to make their decision and in situations like these, the players' association has something to say. Team officials, however, informed PTI that some of the foreign players are still eager to return but most of them should return prior to the resumption of the tournament. "The revised scheduled was announced last night. We have just started contacting our foreign players over their availability. We will have a clearer picture by tomorrow morning. Anyway our game is on May 20. We have enough time," said CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan. CSK foreign players are Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Sam Curran, Jamie Overton, Noor Ahmad and Matheesha Pathirana. Stoinis unlikely to return; Cummins set to fly back At Punjab Kings, Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis and fellow countryman Josh Inglis won't be returning to India although head coach Ricky Ponting is doing his level best to persuade them. Aussie countrymen Xavier Bartlett and Aaron Hardie and Afghanistan's Azmatullah Omarzai and South African Marco Jansen will return. "The foreign players were scared at that time and understandably so. The BCCI showed the safety of the players is paramount by ensuring they all got back home safely. Now the situation has got better, the players should return. However, some of them still remain on the edge," said an IPL official. Like Chennai Super Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad too are out of the tournament but the franchise is hopeful that captain Pat Cummins and Travis Head will be back for the last three league matches. "We are hopeful that most of foreign players will be back including the captain," a team official said. Delhi Capitals, who are still in the race for a top-four position, spoke to their foreign players on Tuesday morning and are expecting to hear back from them. Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc is one of DC's star players. "We hope that all of them come back. We will get to know about it by tomorrow," replied a team official. The IPL final on May 25 has been rescheduled to June 3.

IPL 2025 | BCCI scrambles to get foreign players as IPL sets for resumption: Who will return and who won’t? Deets inside

Several players switched sides at last year's auction and did wonders for their new teams. We take a look at some of them, including Chahal, Boult, Starc and others. Photos, Sports, Cricket

From Jos Buttler to Yuzvendra Chahal, 6 players who should have been retained by their former IPL teams

Kolkata Knight Riders defeated Delhi Capitals by 14 runs to keep their IPL play-off hopes alive on Tuesday (April 29). Their bowlers, led by Sunil Narine 3/29, then restricted the Capitals to 190/9 despite contributions by Faf du Plessis (62), Axar Patel (43) and Vipraj Nigam (38).
Earlier in the innings, Kolkata Knight Riders&rsquo; top-order gave them a flying start but the middle order failed to capitalise on it as they posted 204/9 against&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/delhi-capitals">Delhi Capitals.</a>
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scottish-fa-bans-trans-women-from-womens-football-will-england-follow-9015995">Scottish FA bans trans women from women's football&mdash; Will England follow?</a>
Coming into the game with three losses in their last five matches, KKR got off to a phenomenal start as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/sunil-narine">Sunil Narine</a> (27) and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (26) put on the team&rsquo;s highest opening stand of the season -- 48 runs off just 17 balls -- after DC skipper Axar Patel (2/27) won the toss and opted to bowl.
Narine took on Dushmantha Chameera, smashing him for 26 runs in the second over. Gurbaz hammered <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/mitchell-starc">Mitchell Starc</a> for 17 runs in the third over before being dismissed by him on the last delivery.
<h2>Starc takes 3/43 for DC</h2>
KKR brought up their 50 in the fourth over and ended the powerplay strongly at 79/1, with Narine unbeaten on 26 and Rahane on 21.&nbsp;
Rovman Powell partnered Russell for the final two overs. KKR crossed the 200-run mark in the last over, courtesy of a six by Russell on the first ball. However, DC struck back, with Starc removing Powell and Anukul Roy in consecutive deliveries. Russell was run out by Abhishek Porel on the penultimate ball. KKR lost three wickets in the final over and finished at 204/9.
For DC, Mitchell Starc (3/43) was the pick of the bowlers. Vipraj Nigam (2/41) and Axar Patel (2/27) picked up two wickets each, while Dushmantha Chameera (1/43) took one. Mukesh Kumar and Kuldeep Yadav went wicketless.

India News, Sports: Sunil Narine took 3/29, to restrict the Capitals to 190/9 despite contributions by Faf du Plessis (62), Axar Patel (43) and Vipraj Nigam (38)

Kolkata Knight Riders defeated Delhi Capitals by 14 runs to keep their IPL play-off hopes alive on Tuesday (April 29). Their bowlers, led by Sunil Narine 3/29, then restricted the Capitals to 190/9 despite contributions by Faf du Plessis (62), Axar Patel (43) and Vipraj Nigam (38). Earlier in the innings, Kolkata Knight Riders’ top-order gave them a flying start but the middle order failed to capitalise on it as they posted 204/9 against Delhi Capitals. Also Read: Scottish FA bans trans women from women's football— Will England follow? Coming into the game with three losses in their last five matches, KKR got off to a phenomenal start as Sunil Narine (27) and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (26) put on the team’s highest opening stand of the season -- 48 runs off just 17 balls -- after DC skipper Axar Patel (2/27) won the toss and opted to bowl. Narine took on Dushmantha Chameera, smashing him for 26 runs in the second over. Gurbaz hammered Mitchell Starc for 17 runs in the third over before being dismissed by him on the last delivery. Starc takes 3/43 for DC KKR brought up their 50 in the fourth over and ended the powerplay strongly at 79/1, with Narine unbeaten on 26 and Rahane on 21. Rovman Powell partnered Russell for the final two overs. KKR crossed the 200-run mark in the last over, courtesy of a six by Russell on the first ball. However, DC struck back, with Starc removing Powell and Anukul Roy in consecutive deliveries. Russell was run out by Abhishek Porel on the penultimate ball. KKR lost three wickets in the final over and finished at 204/9. For DC, Mitchell Starc (3/43) was the pick of the bowlers. Vipraj Nigam (2/41) and Axar Patel (2/27) picked up two wickets each, while Dushmantha Chameera (1/43) took one. Mukesh Kumar and Kuldeep Yadav went wicketless.

IPL 2025: All-round Kolkata Knight Riders beat Delhi Capitals by 14 runs

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/yashasvi-jaiswal" rel="dofollow">Yashasvi Jaiswal</a> is a newbie in international cricket, and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/mitchell-starc" rel="dofollow">Mitchell Starc</a> has been around for over a decade, both being great at what they love doing. However, following Delhi Capitals&rsquo; home game against Rajasthan Royals on Wednesday night in IPL 2025, which the hosts won inside the Super Over, both caught up candidly, with Jaiswal hugging and lauding the Aussie quick for his heroics in the last over during the chase and DC&rsquo;s Super Over.
Although both had crossed paths several times since Jaiswal&rsquo;s &lsquo;too slow&rsquo; remarks to him during the second innings of the BGT opener in Perth, where he scored a match-winning 161, this was their first public catch-up, with both greeting each other with all but respect.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-franchise-rcb-drag-uber-to-delhi-court-over-targeted-attack-in-promotional-video-srh-travis-head-8973364" rel="dofollow">IPL franchise RCB drag Uber to Delhi court over &lsquo;targeted attack&rsquo; in promotional video</a>
<h3>Watch Video -</h3>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m9lk3fj3-gzpn6wje-yed3ka2i">
The way YBJ called Starcy a legend... feels 🥹💙 <a href="https://t.co/fTDhi7YWU5">pic.twitter.com/fTDhi7YWU5</a>
&mdash; Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) <a href="https://twitter.com/DelhiCapitals/status/1912771806714339454?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2025</a></blockquote>
Starc has been on a rampage since joining Delhi this season, returning with ten wickets from six contested matches, including picking his maiden five-for in this format.&nbsp;
Against Rajasthan, he was at the top of his game. Accounting for RR&rsquo;s best batter, Nitish Rana, on 51, Starc returned to bowl the final over, with his team needing to defend just nine runs. For as good as he is, Starc bowled rockets and tight lines, defending nine runs, as Rajasthan could complete only eight, resulting in the game going into the Super Over &ndash; the first for this season and in four years.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-mca-take-bcci-route-make-it-mandatory-for-suryakumar-yadav-shreyas-iyer-shivam-dube-rohit-sharma-to-play-mumbai-t20-league-ipl-8972992" rel="dofollow">MCA take BCCI route, make it &lsquo;mandatory&rsquo; for star India players to play THIS league</a>
Starc bowled the Super Over, conceding 11 runs, picking one wicket and resulting in another via run out.
Delhi batters Tristan Stubbs and KL Rahul completed the chase without losing a wicket, with Delhi winning the game and maintaining their stance at the top of the points table with five wins from six contested matches.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m9lk4t6z-pugbeqcr-6zkqzujr">
𝙉𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙚𝙨. 𝘿𝙧𝙖𝙢𝙖. 𝙀𝙢𝙤𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨! 😉 A quick morning catch-up on that late-night Super-Over nail-biter! 🙌<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TATAIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TATAIPL</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DCvRR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DCvRR</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/DelhiCapitals?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DelhiCapitals</a> <a href="https://t.co/QeKsfPmCyk">pic.twitter.com/QeKsfPmCyk</a>
&mdash; IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL/status/1912711260157755467?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2025</a></blockquote>
<h2>Jaiswal&rsquo;s cheeky &lsquo;too slow&rsquo; remark</h2>
Playing his first Test Down Under and that too in Perth, where the pitches on offer aid the seamers big time, Jaiswal returned to the pavilion early in the first innings (to Starc) but made the most of his chance in the second, hammering his third-highest Test score. He took the attack to the seamers, including Starc, later taunting him, saying, &lsquo;too slow&rsquo; &ndash; referring to his bowling speed.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rJ9x3_mBUE0?si=C7GBQE2U0h2bqLC5" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
Although he enjoyed his moment, winning the game for India, he failed to get going against perhaps the best left-arm quick after that, going down to Starc on several occasions, including on a first-ball duck in the first innings of the next game in Adelaide.
(With inputs from agencies)

Starc has been on a rampage since joining Delhi Capitals this season, returning with ten wickets from six contested matches. Sports, Cricket

Yashasvi Jaiswal is a newbie in international cricket, and Mitchell Starc has been around for over a decade, both being great at what they love doing. However, following Delhi Capitals’ home game against Rajasthan Royals on Wednesday night in IPL 2025, which the hosts won inside the Super Over, both caught up candidly, with Jaiswal hugging and lauding the Aussie quick for his heroics in the last over during the chase and DC’s Super Over. Although both had crossed paths several times since Jaiswal’s ‘too slow’ remarks to him during the second innings of the BGT opener in Perth, where he scored a match-winning 161, this was their first public catch-up, with both greeting each other with all but respect. Also read | IPL franchise RCB drag Uber to Delhi court over ‘targeted attack’ in promotional video Watch Video - The way YBJ called Starcy a legend... feels 🥹💙 pic.twitter.com/fTDhi7YWU5 — Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) April 17, 2025 Starc has been on a rampage since joining Delhi this season, returning with ten wickets from six contested matches, including picking his maiden five-for in this format. Against Rajasthan, he was at the top of his game. Accounting for RR’s best batter, Nitish Rana, on 51, Starc returned to bowl the final over, with his team needing to defend just nine runs. For as good as he is, Starc bowled rockets and tight lines, defending nine runs, as Rajasthan could complete only eight, resulting in the game going into the Super Over – the first for this season and in four years. Also read | MCA take BCCI route, make it ‘mandatory’ for star India players to play THIS league Starc bowled the Super Over, conceding 11 runs, picking one wicket and resulting in another via run out. Delhi batters Tristan Stubbs and KL Rahul completed the chase without losing a wicket, with Delhi winning the game and maintaining their stance at the top of the points table with five wins from six contested matches. 𝙉𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙚𝙨. 𝘿𝙧𝙖𝙢𝙖. 𝙀𝙢𝙤𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨! 😉 A quick morning catch-up on that late-night Super-Over nail-biter! 🙌#TATAIPL | #DCvRR | @DelhiCapitals pic.twitter.com/QeKsfPmCyk — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 17, 2025 Jaiswal’s cheeky ‘too slow’ remark Playing his first Test Down Under and that too in Perth, where the pitches on offer aid the seamers big time, Jaiswal returned to the pavilion early in the first innings (to Starc) but made the most of his chance in the second, hammering his third-highest Test score. He took the attack to the seamers, including Starc, later taunting him, saying, ‘too slow’ – referring to his bowling speed. Although he enjoyed his moment, winning the game for India, he failed to get going against perhaps the best left-arm quick after that, going down to Starc on several occasions, including on a first-ball duck in the first innings of the next game in Adelaide. (With inputs from agencies)

IPL 2025: Jaiswal-Starc catch-up for first time since ‘too slow’ BGT sledge - WATCH

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/mitchell-starc" rel="dofollow">Mitchell Starc</a> was the star of the day for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/delhi-capitals" rel="dofollow">Delhi Capitals (DC)</a>, picking his maiden five-wicket haul in T20 cricket against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/sunrisers-hyderabad-srh" rel="dofollow">SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH)</a> in IPL 2025, as the hosts beat Hyderabad by seven wickets in Vizag on Sunday. While Delhi won its second successive game this season, Hyderabad endured its second straight loss. Delhi&rsquo;s top order contributed heavily in the chase, with the team&rsquo;s vice-captain Faf du Plessis top-scoring with 50 off 27 balls.
Everyone came to the party for Delhi in this crunch clash against the touring Hyderabad side, including KL Rahul, who relinked with the team following his paternity leave.&nbsp;
Hyderabad won the toss and elected to bat first, only to fall flat on their face inside the first six overs. Delhi seamer Starc triggered an early SRH collapse, picking three wickets in his first spell. After Abhishek Sharma&rsquo;s run out in the first over, Starc picked two wickets in his second, removing Ishan Kishan and Nitish Kumar Reddy before getting the big fish in SRH opener Travis Head (22) for the sixth time in his career. With that, SRH&rsquo;s scorecard read 37 for four at one stage.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m8vp4dcl-b5p9aafk-m5ahvk8y">
𝙎𝙪𝙣𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙀𝙖𝙧𝙡𝙮 𝙎𝙚𝙩𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 😱 A big breakthrough for Delhi Capitals as Abhishek&rsquo;s error sends him back to the dugout early 🤯 Watch the LIVE action on JioHotstar ➡ <a href="https://t.co/VU1zRx9cWp">https://t.co/VU1zRx9cWp</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPLonJioStar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPLonJioStar</a> 👉 SRH vs DC | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 2 &amp; Star Sports&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/KL8QFBb2kA">pic.twitter.com/KL8QFBb2kA</a>
&mdash; Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/StarSportsIndia/status/1906292498701631817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2025</a></blockquote>
Aniket Varma and Heinrich Klaasen saved their sinking ship with a quick-fire 77-run stand for the fifth wicket, only for Kuldeep Yadav to break into their lower order and restrict them under a par total.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-delhi-capitals-mitchell-starc-floors-srh-with-five-for-but-its-his-aussie-teammates-catch-that-stunned-all-watch-jake-fraser-mcgurk-8907196" rel="dofollow">Jake Fraser-McGurk&rsquo;s brilliant catch to dismiss Aniket</a> stunned all in Vizag as DC wrapped up SRH on 163 inside 19 overs.
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Jump. Timing. Perfection. 🔝 An excellent catch from Jake Fraser-McGurk at the ropes brings an end to Aniket Verma's fighting knock! 💙 Updates ▶️ <a href="https://t.co/L4vEDKzthJ">https://t.co/L4vEDKzthJ</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TATAIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TATAIPL</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DCvSRH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DCvSRH</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/DelhiCapitals?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DelhiCapitals</a> <a href="https://t.co/7b6eekZtRC">pic.twitter.com/7b6eekZtRC</a>
&mdash; IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL/status/1906308290772078753?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2025</a></blockquote>
<h2>DC batters come good against SRH</h2>
After failing in the side&rsquo;s tournament opener against LSG, Delhi batters came good against Hyderabad, with the top four contributing to the team&rsquo;s success. Fraser and du Plessis stitched an 81-run partnership for the first wicket, with the veteran opener completing his maiden fifty for his new team.&nbsp;
Making his IPL debut, SRH&rsquo;s rookie spinner Zeeshan Ansari broke the stand, dismissing both openers and Rahul later to complete his quota with three wickets for 42 runs.&nbsp;
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A Dream Debut ✨ Zeeshan Ansari couldn't have asked for better wickets in his maiden <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TATAIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TATAIPL</a> appearance 🧡 Scorecard ▶️ <a href="https://t.co/L4vEDKyVsb">https://t.co/L4vEDKyVsb</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DCvSRH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DCvSRH</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/SunRisers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SunRisers</a> <a href="https://t.co/WHKiLX30Uw">pic.twitter.com/WHKiLX30Uw</a>
&mdash; IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL/status/1906335732307824986?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2025</a></blockquote>
Abishek Porel and Tristan Stubbs then completed the formalities as Delhi wrapped up the chase with four overs and seven wickets remaining.&nbsp;
As things stand, Delhi is second on the points table with two wins in as many matches, and Hyderabad is placed seventh with just one win in three contested matches thus far.&nbsp;

Cricket, Sports: Delhi Capitals' top order contributed heavily in the chase in Vizag, with the team’s vice-captain Faf du Plessis top-scoring with 50 off 27 balls.

Mitchell Starc was the star of the day for Delhi Capitals (DC), picking his maiden five-wicket haul in T20 cricket against SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) in IPL 2025, as the hosts beat Hyderabad by seven wickets in Vizag on Sunday. While Delhi won its second successive game this season, Hyderabad endured its second straight loss. Delhi’s top order contributed heavily in the chase, with the team’s vice-captain Faf du Plessis top-scoring with 50 off 27 balls. Everyone came to the party for Delhi in this crunch clash against the touring Hyderabad side, including KL Rahul, who relinked with the team following his paternity leave. Hyderabad won the toss and elected to bat first, only to fall flat on their face inside the first six overs. Delhi seamer Starc triggered an early SRH collapse, picking three wickets in his first spell. After Abhishek Sharma’s run out in the first over, Starc picked two wickets in his second, removing Ishan Kishan and Nitish Kumar Reddy before getting the big fish in SRH opener Travis Head (22) for the sixth time in his career. With that, SRH’s scorecard read 37 for four at one stage. 𝙎𝙪𝙣𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙀𝙖𝙧𝙡𝙮 𝙎𝙚𝙩𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 😱 A big breakthrough for Delhi Capitals as Abhishek’s error sends him back to the dugout early 🤯 Watch the LIVE action on JioHotstar ➡ https://t.co/VU1zRx9cWp #IPLonJioStar 👉 SRH vs DC | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 2 & Star Sports… pic.twitter.com/KL8QFBb2kA — Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 30, 2025 Aniket Varma and Heinrich Klaasen saved their sinking ship with a quick-fire 77-run stand for the fifth wicket, only for Kuldeep Yadav to break into their lower order and restrict them under a par total. Jake Fraser-McGurk’s brilliant catch to dismiss Aniket stunned all in Vizag as DC wrapped up SRH on 163 inside 19 overs. Jump. Timing. Perfection. 🔝 An excellent catch from Jake Fraser-McGurk at the ropes brings an end to Aniket Verma's fighting knock! 💙 Updates ▶️ https://t.co/L4vEDKzthJ#TATAIPL | #DCvSRH | @DelhiCapitals pic.twitter.com/7b6eekZtRC — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 30, 2025 DC batters come good against SRH After failing in the side’s tournament opener against LSG, Delhi batters came good against Hyderabad, with the top four contributing to the team’s success. Fraser and du Plessis stitched an 81-run partnership for the first wicket, with the veteran opener completing his maiden fifty for his new team. Making his IPL debut, SRH’s rookie spinner Zeeshan Ansari broke the stand, dismissing both openers and Rahul later to complete his quota with three wickets for 42 runs. A Dream Debut ✨ Zeeshan Ansari couldn't have asked for better wickets in his maiden #TATAIPL appearance 🧡 Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/L4vEDKyVsb#DCvSRH | @SunRisers pic.twitter.com/WHKiLX30Uw — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 30, 2025 Abishek Porel and Tristan Stubbs then completed the formalities as Delhi wrapped up the chase with four overs and seven wickets remaining. As things stand, Delhi is second on the points table with two wins in as many matches, and Hyderabad is placed seventh with just one win in three contested matches thus far.

IPL 2025: Starc picks five-for as Delhi Capitals hit jackpot against SunRisers Hyderabad in Vizag

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/delhi-capitals" rel="dofollow">Delhi Capitals (DC)</a> seamer <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/mitchell-starc" rel="dofollow">Mitchell Starc</a> picked his maiden five-wicket haul in T20 cricket, flooring the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/sunrisers-hyderabad-srh" rel="dofollow">SunRisers Hyderabad</a>&rsquo;s daunting top order inside the Powerplay on Sunday afternoon in IPL 2025. However, what made headlines was his Aussie teammate Jake Fraser-McGurk&rsquo;s well-timed catch near the boundary line to dismiss dangerous-looking Aniket Verma on 74.
Starc bowled the first over and looked threatening despite leaking runs. Abhishek Sharma's sluggish running broke SRH's momentum, with Starc further denting their chances by picking two wickets upfront.
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𝙎𝙪𝙣𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙀𝙖𝙧𝙡𝙮 𝙎𝙚𝙩𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 😱 A big breakthrough for Delhi Capitals as Abhishek&rsquo;s error sends him back to the dugout early 🤯 Watch the LIVE action on JioHotstar ➡ <a href="https://t.co/VU1zRx9cWp">https://t.co/VU1zRx9cWp</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPLonJioStar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPLonJioStar</a> 👉 SRH vs DC | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 2 &amp; Star Sports&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/KL8QFBb2kA">pic.twitter.com/KL8QFBb2kA</a>
&mdash; Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/StarSportsIndia/status/1906292498701631817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2025</a></blockquote>
He first removed SRH&rsquo;s gloveman Ishan Kishan, caught in the deep on just two before accounting for Nitish Kumar Reddy on a two-ball duck in his second over.&nbsp;
Despite losing three wickets inside as many overs, SRH opener Travis Head maintained his attacking approach, only for Starc to remove him in his third over of the Powerplay. The touring Hyderabad&rsquo;s scorecard read 37 for four at one stage. Aniket and Heinrich Klaasen added 77 runs for the fifth wicket before Delhi seamer Mohit Sharma broke the stand.&nbsp;
<h2>Jake&rsquo;s jackpot near the boundary</h2>
Spinner Kuldeep Yadav picked three quick wickets, including removing Aniket, caught in the deep on a brilliant 74 off 41 balls, hitting six sixes and five fours. Looking in a fantastic touch since his IPL debut in the last game, wherein he hit five sixes against the LSG, Aniket pulled one straight to the deep mid-wicket, only for Fraser McGurk to perfectly time his jump and grab a screamer.
His wicket squashed any hopes of SRH putting up a fighting first-inning total as Starc completed his five-for in his last over to end SRH&rsquo;s inning on 163 inside 19 overs.&nbsp;
<h3>Watch Video &ndash;</h3>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m8vlwbib-amuvwxby-er76ov31">
Jump. Timing. Perfection. 🔝 An excellent catch from Jake Fraser-McGurk at the ropes brings an end to Aniket Verma's fighting knock! 💙 Updates ▶️ <a href="https://t.co/L4vEDKzthJ">https://t.co/L4vEDKzthJ</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TATAIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TATAIPL</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DCvSRH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DCvSRH</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/DelhiCapitals?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DelhiCapitals</a> <a href="https://t.co/7b6eekZtRC">pic.twitter.com/7b6eekZtRC</a>
&mdash; IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL/status/1906308290772078753?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2025</a></blockquote>
Meanwhile, even in the previous game against the LSG, Starc picked three wickets, including <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-mitchell-starc-breaks-timber-like-no-one-watch-his-double-strike-against-lsg-dc-8886804" rel="dofollow">dismissing Nicholas Pooran clean bowled off a Yorker</a>. He then similarly removed spinner Ravi Bishnoi in his last over, breaking his off and middle stumps in half.
(With inputs from agencies)

Cricket, Sports: Starc first removed SRH’s gloveman Kishan, caught in the deep on just two before accounting for Nitish Reddy on a two-ball duck in his second over.

Delhi Capitals (DC) seamer Mitchell Starc picked his maiden five-wicket haul in T20 cricket, flooring the SunRisers Hyderabad’s daunting top order inside the Powerplay on Sunday afternoon in IPL 2025. However, what made headlines was his Aussie teammate Jake Fraser-McGurk’s well-timed catch near the boundary line to dismiss dangerous-looking Aniket Verma on 74. Starc bowled the first over and looked threatening despite leaking runs. Abhishek Sharma's sluggish running broke SRH's momentum, with Starc further denting their chances by picking two wickets upfront. 𝙎𝙪𝙣𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙀𝙖𝙧𝙡𝙮 𝙎𝙚𝙩𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 😱 A big breakthrough for Delhi Capitals as Abhishek’s error sends him back to the dugout early 🤯 Watch the LIVE action on JioHotstar ➡ https://t.co/VU1zRx9cWp #IPLonJioStar 👉 SRH vs DC | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 2 & Star Sports… pic.twitter.com/KL8QFBb2kA — Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 30, 2025 He first removed SRH’s gloveman Ishan Kishan, caught in the deep on just two before accounting for Nitish Kumar Reddy on a two-ball duck in his second over. Despite losing three wickets inside as many overs, SRH opener Travis Head maintained his attacking approach, only for Starc to remove him in his third over of the Powerplay. The touring Hyderabad’s scorecard read 37 for four at one stage. Aniket and Heinrich Klaasen added 77 runs for the fifth wicket before Delhi seamer Mohit Sharma broke the stand. Jake’s jackpot near the boundary Spinner Kuldeep Yadav picked three quick wickets, including removing Aniket, caught in the deep on a brilliant 74 off 41 balls, hitting six sixes and five fours. Looking in a fantastic touch since his IPL debut in the last game, wherein he hit five sixes against the LSG, Aniket pulled one straight to the deep mid-wicket, only for Fraser McGurk to perfectly time his jump and grab a screamer. His wicket squashed any hopes of SRH putting up a fighting first-inning total as Starc completed his five-for in his last over to end SRH’s inning on 163 inside 19 overs. Watch Video – Jump. Timing. Perfection. 🔝 An excellent catch from Jake Fraser-McGurk at the ropes brings an end to Aniket Verma's fighting knock! 💙 Updates ▶️ https://t.co/L4vEDKzthJ#TATAIPL | #DCvSRH | @DelhiCapitals pic.twitter.com/7b6eekZtRC — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 30, 2025 Meanwhile, even in the previous game against the LSG, Starc picked three wickets, including dismissing Nicholas Pooran clean bowled off a Yorker. He then similarly removed spinner Ravi Bishnoi in his last over, breaking his off and middle stumps in half. (With inputs from agencies)

IPL 2025: Starc floors SRH with five-for but it’s his Aussie teammate’s catch that stunned all – WATCH

Following their thrilling win over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the ongoing Indian Premier League, Delhi Capitals (DC) pacer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/mitchell-starc">Mitchell Starc</a> praised skipper <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/axar-patel">Axar Patel</a> for his composure and remarkable evolution into a 'dominant all-rounder' on the international stage.
Axar's captaincy debut for DC began on a high note as his team overcame a shaky start while chasing 210 runs. Ashutosh Sharma and Vipraj Nigam played heroic knocks, guiding DC to a dramatic one-wicket victory that will be remembered for a long time.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/rr-vs-kkr-free-live-streaming-online-smart-tv-mobile-app-match-details-probable-playing-xis-of-rajasthan-royals-vs-kolkata-knight-riders-ipl-match-8887800">RR vs KKR Live Streaming Online, Smart TV, Mobile App Check Match Details, and Probable Playing XIs</a>
Speaking after the match, Starc lauded Axar&rsquo;s leadership, saying, "He has been incredibly calm. This is my first time sharing a dressing room with him, and having previously faced him on the field, it&rsquo;s impressive to see how he has developed into such a dominant all-rounder. His intent with the bat tonight was crucial in setting the tone for our chase. He has been fantastic."
<h2 data-start="488" data-end="905">'Wealth of knowledge in our group'</h2>
Starc also highlighted the abundance of leadership experience within the squad, pointing to veterans like Faf du Plessis and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/tristan-stubbs">Tristan Stubbs</a>.
"Faf has captained extensively in both international and franchise cricket, and we have a great blend of seasoned leaders. Tristan Stubbs, who has been with the team for a while, also brings valuable experience. There is a wealth of knowledge in our group. Axar&rsquo;s calm and composed approach is evident, and hopefully, that mentality spreads across the team. Wins like tonight, where we fight until the end, will only make us stronger moving forward," he added.
Coming to the match, DC won the toss and opted to bowl first. While DC got Aiden Markram for cheap (15 in 13 balls), Mitchell Marsh and Nicholas Pooran made sure DC regretted their decision to put LSG to bat, smashing their bowlers with towering sixes and elegant boundaries. Both had an 87-run stand for the second wicket, with Marsh gone for 72 in 36 balls, with six fours and six sixes.
During the run-chase, DC lost half their side for 65 runs.&nbsp;Ashutosh then had a 48-run stand with Tristan Stubbs (34 in 22 balls) and Vipraj (39 in 15 balls). After that, the batter pulled off the chase almost single-handedly with a wicket and three balls left.
(With inputs from agencies)

Cricket, Sports: Axar's captaincy debut for Delhi Capitals began on a high note as his team overcame a shaky start while chasing 210 runs against Lucknow Super Giants

Following their thrilling win over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the ongoing Indian Premier League, Delhi Capitals (DC) pacer Mitchell Starc praised skipper Axar Patel for his composure and remarkable evolution into a 'dominant all-rounder' on the international stage. Axar's captaincy debut for DC began on a high note as his team overcame a shaky start while chasing 210 runs. Ashutosh Sharma and Vipraj Nigam played heroic knocks, guiding DC to a dramatic one-wicket victory that will be remembered for a long time. Also Read: RR vs KKR Live Streaming Online, Smart TV, Mobile App Check Match Details, and Probable Playing XIs Speaking after the match, Starc lauded Axar’s leadership, saying, "He has been incredibly calm. This is my first time sharing a dressing room with him, and having previously faced him on the field, it’s impressive to see how he has developed into such a dominant all-rounder. His intent with the bat tonight was crucial in setting the tone for our chase. He has been fantastic." 'Wealth of knowledge in our group' Starc also highlighted the abundance of leadership experience within the squad, pointing to veterans like Faf du Plessis and Tristan Stubbs. "Faf has captained extensively in both international and franchise cricket, and we have a great blend of seasoned leaders. Tristan Stubbs, who has been with the team for a while, also brings valuable experience. There is a wealth of knowledge in our group. Axar’s calm and composed approach is evident, and hopefully, that mentality spreads across the team. Wins like tonight, where we fight until the end, will only make us stronger moving forward," he added. Coming to the match, DC won the toss and opted to bowl first. While DC got Aiden Markram for cheap (15 in 13 balls), Mitchell Marsh and Nicholas Pooran made sure DC regretted their decision to put LSG to bat, smashing their bowlers with towering sixes and elegant boundaries. Both had an 87-run stand for the second wicket, with Marsh gone for 72 in 36 balls, with six fours and six sixes. During the run-chase, DC lost half their side for 65 runs. Ashutosh then had a 48-run stand with Tristan Stubbs (34 in 22 balls) and Vipraj (39 in 15 balls). After that, the batter pulled off the chase almost single-handedly with a wicket and three balls left. (With inputs from agencies)

IPL 2025: 'He has been pretty...': Australia pacer Starc on captain Axar after DC's win over LSG

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/mitchell-starc" rel="dofollow">Mitchell Starc</a> is perhaps the most feared bowler of the past decade. He&rsquo;s lethal with both new and the old ball across formats, and even with age catching up, he didn&rsquo;t slow down. The left-arm quick was back in action in IPL 2025, playing for his new franchise, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/delhi-capitals" rel="dofollow">Delhi Capitals</a> (against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/lucknow-super-giants" rel="dofollow">Lucknow Super Giants</a>), and left a mark straightaway. He breaks timber like no one else, and on Monday in Vizag, he did that twice.
Delhi won the toss and sent LSG into bat first, with returning Mitchell Marsh wreaking havoc up front. The all-rounder hammered his Australia teammate Starc to two massive sixes before shifting attention to others.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m8nc68yl-dc70kbq5-xx4wj14r">
Exhibition of pure belligerence.
&mdash; Roomi (@___Roomi) <a href="https://twitter.com/___Roomi/status/1904182907800842351?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2025</a></blockquote>
Although his partner, Aiden Markram, departed inside the Powerplay, with Nicholas Pooran joining him, there was no stopping this pair.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ms-dhoni-on-his-relationship-with-virat-kohli-we-are-friends-but-theres-still-a-line-8886559" rel="dofollow">MS Dhoni on his relationship with Kohli - &lsquo;We are friends but there&rsquo;s still a line&hellip;&rsquo;</a>
Both went berserk, taking down the Delhi bowlers to all parts of the ground. While Marsh maintained his whacking spree, hitting a brilliant 72 off 36 balls, including six sixes and as many fours, Pooran put on the fifth gear the moment he came to the crease. Continuing his purple patch in his favourite format, Pooran smashed four sixes in a single over to Tristan Stubbs before Starc returned to break his middle and off stumps into half.&nbsp;
<h3>Watch &ndash;&nbsp;</h3>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m8nc6hhs-xbnvqgxp-7yc4mggo">
The art 🎨 The artist 😎 Mitchell Starc gets one on target ⚡️ Nicholas Pooran goes back after a breathtaking 75(30) 🔥 Updates ▶ <a href="https://t.co/aHUCFODDQL">https://t.co/aHUCFODDQL</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TATAIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TATAIPL</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DCvLSG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DCvLSG</a> <a href="https://t.co/SQcmxUD8La">pic.twitter.com/SQcmxUD8La</a>
&mdash; IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL/status/1904192669011808680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2025</a></blockquote>
Starc&rsquo;s golden stroke broke LSG&rsquo;s momentum, as they failed to make merry of their start, losing wickets in clusters during the fag end of the innings.
However, during the end, Starc picked two wickets in his final over, removing the two spinners in three balls to pull DC back into the game. Though his steamy bouncer to Shahbaz Ahmed got the better of the batter, his Yorker to dismiss Ravi Bishnoi, breaking his stumps, made headlines.&nbsp;
<h3>Watch &ndash;</h3>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m8nc6tft-tcycbnoi-kfh5se1o">
YORKED 🎯<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MitchellStarc?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MitchellStarc</a> at his best as <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DC</a> pulled things back in the second half of the innings! 🔥 Watch LIVE action: <a href="https://t.co/mQP5SyTHlW">https://t.co/mQP5SyTHlW</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPLonJioStar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPLonJioStar</a> 👉 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DCvLSG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DCvLSG</a> | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi &amp; JioHotstar! <a href="https://t.co/uODhho7m8i">pic.twitter.com/uODhho7m8i</a>
&mdash; Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/StarSportsIndia/status/1904200868095983998?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2025</a></blockquote>
Meanwhile, LSG scored 209 for eight in 20 overs, with Pooran and Marsh returning with the most runs.&nbsp;

Cricket, Sports: On his Delhi Capitals debut on Monday, Starc returned with three for 42 bowling first against LSG in Vizag. He dismissed Pooran on 75 clean bowled.

Mitchell Starc is perhaps the most feared bowler of the past decade. He’s lethal with both new and the old ball across formats, and even with age catching up, he didn’t slow down. The left-arm quick was back in action in IPL 2025, playing for his new franchise, Delhi Capitals (against Lucknow Super Giants), and left a mark straightaway. He breaks timber like no one else, and on Monday in Vizag, he did that twice. Delhi won the toss and sent LSG into bat first, with returning Mitchell Marsh wreaking havoc up front. The all-rounder hammered his Australia teammate Starc to two massive sixes before shifting attention to others. Exhibition of pure belligerence. — Roomi (@___Roomi) March 24, 2025 Although his partner, Aiden Markram, departed inside the Powerplay, with Nicholas Pooran joining him, there was no stopping this pair. Also read | MS Dhoni on his relationship with Kohli - ‘We are friends but there’s still a line…’ Both went berserk, taking down the Delhi bowlers to all parts of the ground. While Marsh maintained his whacking spree, hitting a brilliant 72 off 36 balls, including six sixes and as many fours, Pooran put on the fifth gear the moment he came to the crease. Continuing his purple patch in his favourite format, Pooran smashed four sixes in a single over to Tristan Stubbs before Starc returned to break his middle and off stumps into half. Watch – The art 🎨 The artist 😎 Mitchell Starc gets one on target ⚡️ Nicholas Pooran goes back after a breathtaking 75(30) 🔥 Updates ▶ https://t.co/aHUCFODDQL#TATAIPL | #DCvLSG pic.twitter.com/SQcmxUD8La — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 24, 2025 Starc’s golden stroke broke LSG’s momentum, as they failed to make merry of their start, losing wickets in clusters during the fag end of the innings. However, during the end, Starc picked two wickets in his final over, removing the two spinners in three balls to pull DC back into the game. Though his steamy bouncer to Shahbaz Ahmed got the better of the batter, his Yorker to dismiss Ravi Bishnoi, breaking his stumps, made headlines. Watch – YORKED 🎯#MitchellStarc at his best as #DC pulled things back in the second half of the innings! 🔥 Watch LIVE action: https://t.co/mQP5SyTHlW#IPLonJioStar 👉 #DCvLSG | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi & JioHotstar! pic.twitter.com/uODhho7m8i — Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 24, 2025 Meanwhile, LSG scored 209 for eight in 20 overs, with Pooran and Marsh returning with the most runs.

IPL 2025 - Starc breaks timber like no one; WATCH his double strike against LSG

At the 2024 mega auction, Australia speedster <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/mitchell-starc" rel="dofollow">Mitchell Starc</a> was the most expensive purchase in IPL history, going for a whopping $2.8m (INR 24.75 crore) to Kolkata Knight Riders. After one year at the KKR, where he won his maiden IPL trophy, Starc moved to Delhi Capitals for the upcoming season for less than half the price (INR 11.75 crore). Speaking highly of the cash-rich league, Starc said the IPL is the number one project but has its cons too.
Starc played just 2 seasons of IPL to date, for RCB in 2014 and for KKR in 2024. With the 18th edition just on the horizon, Starc feels the rise of Indian cricket across formats is a testament to the magnitude of the Indian Premier League. Starc said India is the only country that can afford a T20I, an ODI and a Test team ready on the same day and still be competitive.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-felt-like-ipl-in-dubai-kamran-akmal-on-pakistan-no-show-in-final-8849799" rel="dofollow">&lsquo;Champions Trophy felt like IPL in Dubai,&rsquo; Kamran Akmal on Pakistan no-show in final</a>
&ldquo;I think they are probably the only nation that can have a Test team, a one-day team, and a T20 team play on the same day against Australia in the Test, England in the One-Dayer and South Africa in the T20I, and India will be competitive," Starc said during a YouTube channel 'FanaticsTV' chat. "No other country can do that.&rdquo;
<h2>What's a big no about IPL?</h2>
Speaking on how the IPL has shaped up Indian cricket, injecting confidence into players like never before, Starc said it&rsquo;s there for everyone to see how humongous this league is, with countless pros, but mentioned a big con, denying any talks of Indians having an advantage over players from the rest of the world.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/rohit-sharma-has-no-reason-to-retire-ab-de-villiers-throws-weight-behind-indias-almost-most-successful-captain-8849565" rel="dofollow">&lsquo;He has no reason to retire,&rsquo; de Villiers throws weight behind Rohit, India&rsquo;s almost &lsquo;most successful captain&rsquo;</a>
"I am not sure if it's an advantage per se because as cricketers, we have got these opportunities to play all franchise (cricket) around the world (but) the Indian guys can only play in the IPL," said Starc.&nbsp;
"Obviously, it's the number one product, has got all the Indians playing, so much influx of international talent. It's at the top. There's no doubt that it's a huge tournament...But I don't think you can just sit on that because you have guys (players around the world) that play 5-6 different franchise leagues a year; so, they are still getting the exposure to world cricket.&nbsp;
"That (IPL) helps, it's a great tournament, but, obviously, you have got to have talent there; and the depth in Indian cricket (is huge)," he added.
Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-trophy-2025-mitchell-starc-pulls-out-in-another-major-blow-for-australia-steve-smith-to-lead-8712498" rel="dofollow">Starc opted out of the recently concluded Champions Trophy 2025</a> in Pakistan for personal reasons; Australia, who got knocked out in the semis (against India), was also without six of their first-team players.
(With inputs from agencies)

Sports, Cricket: After one year at the KKR, where he won his maiden IPL trophy, Starc moved to Delhi Capitals for the upcoming season for less than half a price.

At the 2024 mega auction, Australia speedster Mitchell Starc was the most expensive purchase in IPL history, going for a whopping $2.8m (INR 24.75 crore) to Kolkata Knight Riders. After one year at the KKR, where he won his maiden IPL trophy, Starc moved to Delhi Capitals for the upcoming season for less than half the price (INR 11.75 crore). Speaking highly of the cash-rich league, Starc said the IPL is the number one project but has its cons too. Starc played just 2 seasons of IPL to date, for RCB in 2014 and for KKR in 2024. With the 18th edition just on the horizon, Starc feels the rise of Indian cricket across formats is a testament to the magnitude of the Indian Premier League. Starc said India is the only country that can afford a T20I, an ODI and a Test team ready on the same day and still be competitive. Also read | ‘Champions Trophy felt like IPL in Dubai,’ Kamran Akmal on Pakistan no-show in final “I think they are probably the only nation that can have a Test team, a one-day team, and a T20 team play on the same day against Australia in the Test, England in the One-Dayer and South Africa in the T20I, and India will be competitive," Starc said during a YouTube channel 'FanaticsTV' chat. "No other country can do that.” What's a big no about IPL? Speaking on how the IPL has shaped up Indian cricket, injecting confidence into players like never before, Starc said it’s there for everyone to see how humongous this league is, with countless pros, but mentioned a big con, denying any talks of Indians having an advantage over players from the rest of the world. Also read | ‘He has no reason to retire,’ de Villiers throws weight behind Rohit, India’s almost ‘most successful captain’ "I am not sure if it's an advantage per se because as cricketers, we have got these opportunities to play all franchise (cricket) around the world (but) the Indian guys can only play in the IPL," said Starc. "Obviously, it's the number one product, has got all the Indians playing, so much influx of international talent. It's at the top. There's no doubt that it's a huge tournament...But I don't think you can just sit on that because you have guys (players around the world) that play 5-6 different franchise leagues a year; so, they are still getting the exposure to world cricket. "That (IPL) helps, it's a great tournament, but, obviously, you have got to have talent there; and the depth in Indian cricket (is huge)," he added. Meanwhile, Starc opted out of the recently concluded Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan for personal reasons; Australia, who got knocked out in the semis (against India), was also without six of their first-team players. (With inputs from agencies)

‘It’s the number one project, it’s at the top,’ Australia speedster Starc on IPL

Ace Australian quick <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/mitchell-starc" rel="dofollow">Mitchell Starc</a> has revealed what led to his absence from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy" rel="dofollow">ICC Champions Trophy 2025</a>. Starc was among the Aussie pace trio, including regular captain Pat Cummins and seasoned seamer Josh Hazlewood, who did not feature in the first showpiece event of the year. While Cummins and Hazlewood missed the Champions Trophy due to respective injuries, Starc admitted pain in his ankle (he felt during Sri Lanka Tests) and &lsquo;personal views&rsquo; forced him to pull out of contention.
Speaking for the first time since opting out of the Champions Trophy squad, Starc said, "There's a few different reasons, some personal views, and had a bit of ankle pain through the Test series [against Sri Lanka]."&nbsp;
"So just get that one right, obviously, we've got the Test final coming up and a West Indies tour after that.
"There's some IPL cricket as well, but my main one top of my mind is that Test final, so get my body right, play some cricket in the next couple of months and then ready to go for the Test final,&rdquo; the left-arm quick said while chatting on Willow Talk podcast.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/jos-buttler-drops-hint-on-captaincy-future-after-afghanistan-shocker-in-champions-trophy-says-all-possibilities-to-be-considered-8760313" rel="dofollow">Jos Buttler admits to fear losing England&rsquo;s captaincy after Afghanistan shocker</a>
While he did not elaborate on his (personal) reasons, Starc&rsquo;s absence makes sense for his longevity and fitness.&nbsp;
The ageing left-arm quick was part of the five Tests at home against India, throwing rockets throughout the series while playing the two away Tests against Sri Lanka. Though Cricket Australia (CA) named him in the 15-man squad for the eight-team tournament in Pakistan, Starc chose to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-trophy-2025-mitchell-starc-pulls-out-in-another-major-blow-for-australia-steve-smith-to-lead-8712498" rel="dofollow">skip it to reclaim full fitness for the upcoming IPL and the WTC Final</a>.
Besides, had he been picked and playing, Starc would have been travelling to a new city for Australia&rsquo;s scheduled group stage matches and even to Dubai (to face India) should they qualify for the semis.&nbsp;
<h2>Changes in the WTC model? Starc says yes!</h2>
Also, defending the WTC title is something Starc has his eyes on, and even though they have already tasted success the last time and made it to the finals this year, the ace quick feels it (WTC model) needs some tinkering.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, Australia missed out on making it to the finals the first time due to slow over-rate penalties, but Starc feels it gained significance when the Aussies qualified for the second one.&nbsp;
"The first one being a new concept, I remember definitely, I was like, what's this all about? It doesn't mean much," he said. "We're trying to win every Test match, every Test series. And then we got close to it, and we missed out, and watching it on TV; we all wanted to be a part of it. So that quickly changed.
"And then the second cycle, we made the final and, obviously, playing India on neutral territory, that was a big occasion for both teams, managed to get the chocolates that time. And now we find ourselves sitting [with] a chance to win it for the second time on the trot.
"I think the format needs some tinkering still. It's a very hard one to fix, I guess when you only play six series that contribute to the point system. You get the same points for home and away wins, it's a percentage-based model. So it's an imperfect system. But I think two really good teams will be facing off in the final,&rdquo; he added.
(With inputs from agencies)

Sports, Cricket: Starc was part of the five Tests at home against India, throwing rockets throughout the series while playing the two away Tests against Sri Lanka.

Ace Australian quick Mitchell Starc has revealed what led to his absence from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Starc was among the Aussie pace trio, including regular captain Pat Cummins and seasoned seamer Josh Hazlewood, who did not feature in the first showpiece event of the year. While Cummins and Hazlewood missed the Champions Trophy due to respective injuries, Starc admitted pain in his ankle (he felt during Sri Lanka Tests) and ‘personal views’ forced him to pull out of contention. Speaking for the first time since opting out of the Champions Trophy squad, Starc said, "There's a few different reasons, some personal views, and had a bit of ankle pain through the Test series [against Sri Lanka]." "So just get that one right, obviously, we've got the Test final coming up and a West Indies tour after that. "There's some IPL cricket as well, but my main one top of my mind is that Test final, so get my body right, play some cricket in the next couple of months and then ready to go for the Test final,” the left-arm quick said while chatting on Willow Talk podcast. Also read | Jos Buttler admits to fear losing England’s captaincy after Afghanistan shocker While he did not elaborate on his (personal) reasons, Starc’s absence makes sense for his longevity and fitness. The ageing left-arm quick was part of the five Tests at home against India, throwing rockets throughout the series while playing the two away Tests against Sri Lanka. Though Cricket Australia (CA) named him in the 15-man squad for the eight-team tournament in Pakistan, Starc chose to skip it to reclaim full fitness for the upcoming IPL and the WTC Final. Besides, had he been picked and playing, Starc would have been travelling to a new city for Australia’s scheduled group stage matches and even to Dubai (to face India) should they qualify for the semis. Changes in the WTC model? Starc says yes! Also, defending the WTC title is something Starc has his eyes on, and even though they have already tasted success the last time and made it to the finals this year, the ace quick feels it (WTC model) needs some tinkering. Meanwhile, Australia missed out on making it to the finals the first time due to slow over-rate penalties, but Starc feels it gained significance when the Aussies qualified for the second one. "The first one being a new concept, I remember definitely, I was like, what's this all about? It doesn't mean much," he said. "We're trying to win every Test match, every Test series. And then we got close to it, and we missed out, and watching it on TV; we all wanted to be a part of it. So that quickly changed. "And then the second cycle, we made the final and, obviously, playing India on neutral territory, that was a big occasion for both teams, managed to get the chocolates that time. And now we find ourselves sitting [with] a chance to win it for the second time on the trot. "I think the format needs some tinkering still. It's a very hard one to fix, I guess when you only play six series that contribute to the point system. You get the same points for home and away wins, it's a percentage-based model. So it's an imperfect system. But I think two really good teams will be facing off in the final,” he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Starc reveals what led to his absence from Australia’s Champions Trophy squad

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The 2025 ICC <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy">Champions Trophy</a> is on the horizon, yet the cricketing world is abuzz with concerns over the alarming number of player withdrawals due to injuries. Notable absentees who would have played pivotal roles for their respective teams include India&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/jasprit-bumrah">Jasprit </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/jasprit-bumrah">Bumrah</a>, Australia&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/pat-cummins">Pat Cummins</a>, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, and South Africa&rsquo;s Anrich Nortje, among others. 
This spate of injuries raises a pressing question: Is the relentless cricketing calendar, amplified by&nbsp;numerous international fixtures and burgeoning franchise leagues, overburdening players and compromising their well-being?&nbsp;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/swot-analysis-champions-trophy-2025-can-blackcaps-end-their-25-year-title-drought-8727803">SWOT Analysis: Champions Trophy 2025-Can Blackcaps end their 25-year title drought?</a> Over the past decade, cricket has&nbsp;witnessed an explosion of franchise-based T20 leagues worldwide. The Indian Premier League (IPL) set the precedent back in 2007, inspiring similar tournaments like Australia&rsquo;s Big Bash League (BBL), the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), and The Hundred in England, among others. These leagues offer lucrative contracts to top talent. However, the overlapping schedules of these tournaments with international commitments have led to a congested calendar, leaving players with minimal downtime.&nbsp;
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<h2 class="Paragraph SCXW146314325 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraid="199079560" paraeid="{f4207fff-6803-4592-af43-7ef6873de9db}{53}">Physical toll on players&nbsp;</h2>
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Fast bowlers, in particular, bear the brunt of this demanding schedule. As per a study done on the topic, &lsquo;To determine if the comparison of acute and chronic workload is associated with increased injury risk in elite cricket fast bowlers&rsquo;, by Billy T Hulin, Tim J Gabbett, Peter Blanch, Paul Chapman, David Bailey, John W Orchard, it was observed that significant increases in acute workload are associated with a heightened risk of injury among elite fast bowlers. The repetitive high intensity demands, coupled with insufficient recovery periods, predispose them to stress fractures, muscle tears, and other debilitating injuries. 
For instance, Australia's Mitchell Starc has previously grappled with injuries exacerbated by continuous play, leading to decisions about prioritising rest over participation in certain series.&nbsp;
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<h2 class="Paragraph SCXW146314325 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraid="653434884" paraeid="{f4207fff-6803-4592-af43-7ef6873de9db}{85}">Mental fatigue&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>
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Beyond the physical ramifications, the relentless schedule contributes to mental fatigue as well. Players are often confined to bio-secure bubbles, isolated from family and friends, which can lead to feelings of burnout and disillusionment. For example, England&rsquo;s Tom Banton&nbsp;candidly discussed in an interview how the pressures of constant competition and life within these bubbles led him to fall out of love with the game, highlighting the psychological strain players endure.&nbsp;
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<h2 class="Paragraph SCXW146314325 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraid="680794758" paraeid="{f4207fff-6803-4592-af43-7ef6873de9db}{133}">Impact on major tournaments&nbsp;</h2>
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The timing of injuries often means that players are sidelined during&nbsp;important&nbsp; tournaments. The absence of key players not only minimises the quality of the competition but also affects team strategies. The 2025 Champions Trophy serves as a stark example, with several marquee players missing due to injuries likely linked to their exhaustive playing schedules.<span class="EOP SCXW146314325 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}">&nbsp;
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While franchise leagues have revolutionised cricket by providing financial incentives and expanding the sport&rsquo;s global reach, they also present challenges in balancing commercial interests with players' health.
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<h2 class="Paragraph SCXW146314325 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraid="1241588223" paraeid="{4a105ddd-edf5-439b-b3b6-f59edc998088}{235}">What can be done?<span class="EOP SCXW146314325 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}">&nbsp;</h2>
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To mitigate the adverse effects of an overcrowded cricket calendar, several measures can be taken into action:&nbsp;
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<ul>
<li class="Paragraph SCXW146314325 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraid="560644624" paraeid="{f4207fff-6803-4592-af43-7ef6873de9db}{229}">Strategic scheduling: Cricket boards and league organisers must collaborate to create a cohesive schedule that allows players adequate rest between series and tournaments. </li>
<li class="Paragraph SCXW146314325 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraid="560644624" paraeid="{f4207fff-6803-4592-af43-7ef6873de9db}{229}">Workload&nbsp;management: Implementing rotation policies can help manage player workloads, especially for fast bowlers who are more susceptible to injuries. </li>
<li class="Paragraph SCXW146314325 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraid="560644624" paraeid="{f4207fff-6803-4592-af43-7ef6873de9db}{229}">Player&nbsp;education: Educating players on the importance of rest and recovery can empower them to make informed decisions about their participation in various leagues and series.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
</div>
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At the&nbsp;end of the day,&nbsp;while the expansion of cricket through various leagues has enriched the sport, it is necessary to address the unintended consequence of player overexertion. Ensuring a balance between the game&rsquo;s commercial growth and the health of its players is important for the longevity and integrity of cricket.
Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.&nbsp;
</div>

Cricket | Opinions & Blogs: Is relentless cricketing calendar, amplified by several international fixtures and franchise leagues, overburdening players and compromising their well-being?

The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy is on the horizon, yet the cricketing world is abuzz with concerns over the alarming number of player withdrawals due to injuries. Notable absentees who would have played pivotal roles for their respective teams include India’s Jasprit Bumrah, Australia’s Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, and South Africa’s Anrich Nortje, among others. This spate of injuries raises a pressing question: Is the relentless cricketing calendar, amplified by numerous international fixtures and burgeoning franchise leagues, overburdening players and compromising their well-being? Also Read: SWOT Analysis: Champions Trophy 2025-Can Blackcaps end their 25-year title drought? Over the past decade, cricket has witnessed an explosion of franchise-based T20 leagues worldwide. The Indian Premier League (IPL) set the precedent back in 2007, inspiring similar tournaments like Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL), the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), and The Hundred in England, among others. These leagues offer lucrative contracts to top talent. However, the overlapping schedules of these tournaments with international commitments have led to a congested calendar, leaving players with minimal downtime. Physical toll on players Fast bowlers, in particular, bear the brunt of this demanding schedule. As per a study done on the topic, ‘To determine if the comparison of acute and chronic workload is associated with increased injury risk in elite cricket fast bowlers’, by Billy T Hulin, Tim J Gabbett, Peter Blanch, Paul Chapman, David Bailey, John W Orchard, it was observed that significant increases in acute workload are associated with a heightened risk of injury among elite fast bowlers. The repetitive high intensity demands, coupled with insufficient recovery periods, predispose them to stress fractures, muscle tears, and other debilitating injuries. For instance, Australia's Mitchell Starc has previously grappled with injuries exacerbated by continuous play, leading to decisions about prioritising rest over participation in certain series. Mental fatigue Beyond the physical ramifications, the relentless schedule contributes to mental fatigue as well. Players are often confined to bio-secure bubbles, isolated from family and friends, which can lead to feelings of burnout and disillusionment. For example, England’s Tom Banton candidly discussed in an interview how the pressures of constant competition and life within these bubbles led him to fall out of love with the game, highlighting the psychological strain players endure. Impact on major tournaments The timing of injuries often means that players are sidelined during important tournaments. The absence of key players not only minimises the quality of the competition but also affects team strategies. The 2025 Champions Trophy serves as a stark example, with several marquee players missing due to injuries likely linked to their exhaustive playing schedules. While franchise leagues have revolutionised cricket by providing financial incentives and expanding the sport’s global reach, they also present challenges in balancing commercial interests with players' health. What can be done? To mitigate the adverse effects of an overcrowded cricket calendar, several measures can be taken into action: Strategic scheduling: Cricket boards and league organisers must collaborate to create a cohesive schedule that allows players adequate rest between series and tournaments. Workload management: Implementing rotation policies can help manage player workloads, especially for fast bowlers who are more susceptible to injuries. Player education: Educating players on the importance of rest and recovery can empower them to make informed decisions about their participation in various leagues and series. At the end of the day, while the expansion of cricket through various leagues has enriched the sport, it is necessary to address the unintended consequence of player overexertion. Ensuring a balance between the game’s commercial growth and the health of its players is important for the longevity and integrity of cricket. Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.

The price of non-stop cricket: Injuries and exhaustion

Legendary Australian cricketer <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/adam-gilchrist">Adam Gilchrist</a> has suggested that stand-in captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/steve-smith">Steve Smith</a> should open the batting in Australia&rsquo;s ODI team for the upcoming Champions Trophy in Pakistan. Gilchrist believes this move would allow Smith to face more deliveries and maximise his impact.
In Australia's recent 2-0 ODI series defeat to Sri Lanka, Smith, batting in the middle order, managed scores of just 12 and 29. With young opener Jake Fraser-McGurk struggling for consistency, Gilchrist sees Smith as a strong opening option, though he also finds Matt Short a viable candidate to partner with Travis Head.
&ldquo;It&rsquo;s a tough call right now, but I believe Steve Smith should open. I&rsquo;m not sure where he batted in Sri Lanka, but Travis Head is a certainty. I also like Matt Short in that role&mdash;he forms a good left-hand, right-hand combination,&rdquo; Gilchrist said on ABC Summer Grandstand on Saturday.
He added, &ldquo;Smith has opened in T20 cricket successfully, so I don&rsquo;t see why he couldn&rsquo;t do it in ODIs. Maybe he&rsquo;s too valuable in the middle order, but in a 50-over game, you want your best batters facing as many balls as possible. It&rsquo;s a strong option to consider.&rdquo;
<h2>Injury woes for Australia</h2>
Australia will enter the Champions Trophy without key pacers <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/mitchell-starc">Mitchell Starc</a>, Josh Hazlewood and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/pat-cummins">Pat Cummins</a>, as well as all-rounders Cameron Green and Mitchell Marsh, who are sidelined due to injuries.
With group-stage clashes against England, Afghanistan, and South Africa, Gilchrist believes Australia could face difficulties in Pakistan, especially with limited preparation in the ODI format.
&ldquo;There hasn&rsquo;t been much focus on ODIs lately,&rdquo; he said.
&ldquo;Australia had a fantastic summer, but teams mainly prioritise 50-over cricket during a World Cup year. With the next ODI World Cup in 2027, this tournament is an opportunity to experiment with younger players, which could lead to mixed results.&rdquo;
Despite the challenges, Gilchrist acknowledged Australia&rsquo;s ability to fight through tough situations. &ldquo;They always find a way to get through tournaments, but conditions in Pakistan and the absence of key players will make this a tough campaign,&rdquo; he concluded.
(With inputs from agencies)

Sports, Cricket: Australia go into the upcoming Champions Trophy without their first-choice pacers in Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins

Legendary Australian cricketer Adam Gilchrist has suggested that stand-in captain Steve Smith should open the batting in Australia’s ODI team for the upcoming Champions Trophy in Pakistan. Gilchrist believes this move would allow Smith to face more deliveries and maximise his impact. In Australia's recent 2-0 ODI series defeat to Sri Lanka, Smith, batting in the middle order, managed scores of just 12 and 29. With young opener Jake Fraser-McGurk struggling for consistency, Gilchrist sees Smith as a strong opening option, though he also finds Matt Short a viable candidate to partner with Travis Head. “It’s a tough call right now, but I believe Steve Smith should open. I’m not sure where he batted in Sri Lanka, but Travis Head is a certainty. I also like Matt Short in that role—he forms a good left-hand, right-hand combination,” Gilchrist said on ABC Summer Grandstand on Saturday. He added, “Smith has opened in T20 cricket successfully, so I don’t see why he couldn’t do it in ODIs. Maybe he’s too valuable in the middle order, but in a 50-over game, you want your best batters facing as many balls as possible. It’s a strong option to consider.” Injury woes for Australia Australia will enter the Champions Trophy without key pacers Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins, as well as all-rounders Cameron Green and Mitchell Marsh, who are sidelined due to injuries. With group-stage clashes against England, Afghanistan, and South Africa, Gilchrist believes Australia could face difficulties in Pakistan, especially with limited preparation in the ODI format. “There hasn’t been much focus on ODIs lately,” he said. “Australia had a fantastic summer, but teams mainly prioritise 50-over cricket during a World Cup year. With the next ODI World Cup in 2027, this tournament is an opportunity to experiment with younger players, which could lead to mixed results.” Despite the challenges, Gilchrist acknowledged Australia’s ability to fight through tough situations. “They always find a way to get through tournaments, but conditions in Pakistan and the absence of key players will make this a tough campaign,” he concluded. (With inputs from agencies)

Champions Trophy 2025: Smith should open the batting for Australia, says former Oz wicketkeeper

Australia have been dealt another blow in their Champions Trophy 2025 preparations after star bowler Mitchell Starc pulled out of the tournament owing to personal reasons on Wednesday (Feb 12). The information was confirmed by Cricket Australia&rsquo;s (CA) chief selector George Bailey who added that he respected the player&rsquo;s decision. This comes after skipper Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood had already been ruled out of the Champions Trophy 2025 due to injury concerns. In another major development, Steve Smith has been named captain of the ODI side for the Champions Trophy 2025 ahead of Travis Head.
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Starc pulls out of Champions Trophy 2025</h2>
"We understand and respect Mitch&rsquo;s decision,&rdquo; chair of the national selection panel Bailey said on Wednesday.
"Mitch is deeply respected for his commitment to international cricket and the priority he places on performing for Australia.
"His well-documented ability to play through pain and adversity, as well as forgoing opportunities in other parts of his career to put his country first should be applauded.&rdquo;
Starc pulling out of the Champions Trophy means Australia will have to do without their three frontline pace bowlers as they are already without Cummins and Hazlewood. The trio was instrumental in Australia&rsquo;s 2015 and 2023 ODI World Cup success, but will now have to rely on other options.
ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-trophy-2025-jasprit-bumrah-ruled-out-due-to-back-injury-harshit-rana-roped-in-as-replacement-8712214" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Champions Trophy 2025: Jasprit Bumrah ruled out due to back injury; Harshit Rana roped in as replacement</a>
On the other hand, former skipper Smith won the race to lead the side in the Champions Trophy ahead of Head. The 35-year-old has tonnes of experience in the leadership role and is bidding to become the second captain after Ricky Ponting to win the Champions Trophy for Australia. Ponting led Australia in the 2009 campaign, which remains their sole title in the coveted ICC tournament.
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Australia Champions Trophy squad</h2>
Steve Smith (c), Sean Abbott, Alex Carey,&nbsp; Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa. Travelling reserve: Cooper Connolly.

Sports, Cricket: Australia were dealt another blow in their Champions Trophy 2025 preparations after Mitchell Starc pulled out of the tournament due to personal reasons. 

Australia have been dealt another blow in their Champions Trophy 2025 preparations after star bowler Mitchell Starc pulled out of the tournament owing to personal reasons on Wednesday (Feb 12). The information was confirmed by Cricket Australia’s (CA) chief selector George Bailey who added that he respected the player’s decision. This comes after skipper Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood had already been ruled out of the Champions Trophy 2025 due to injury concerns. In another major development, Steve Smith has been named captain of the ODI side for the Champions Trophy 2025 ahead of Travis Head. Starc pulls out of Champions Trophy 2025 "We understand and respect Mitch’s decision,” chair of the national selection panel Bailey said on Wednesday. "Mitch is deeply respected for his commitment to international cricket and the priority he places on performing for Australia. "His well-documented ability to play through pain and adversity, as well as forgoing opportunities in other parts of his career to put his country first should be applauded.” Starc pulling out of the Champions Trophy means Australia will have to do without their three frontline pace bowlers as they are already without Cummins and Hazlewood. The trio was instrumental in Australia’s 2015 and 2023 ODI World Cup success, but will now have to rely on other options. ALSO READ | Champions Trophy 2025: Jasprit Bumrah ruled out due to back injury; Harshit Rana roped in as replacement On the other hand, former skipper Smith won the race to lead the side in the Champions Trophy ahead of Head. The 35-year-old has tonnes of experience in the leadership role and is bidding to become the second captain after Ricky Ponting to win the Champions Trophy for Australia. Ponting led Australia in the 2009 campaign, which remains their sole title in the coveted ICC tournament. Australia Champions Trophy squad Steve Smith (c), Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa. Travelling reserve: Cooper Connolly.

Champions Trophy 2025: Mitchell Starc pulls out in another major blow for Australia; Steve Smith to lead

Australia announced their playing XI for the fifth and final Test versus India, at the SCG in Sydney, on Thursday (Jan 2). Ahead of the New Year's Test, which is also the series decider of the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Mitchell Starc has been declared fit whereas debutant Beau Webster replaces a struggling all-rounder Mitchell Marsh.
Speaking to the press ahead of the SCG Test, Australia skipper Pat Cummins revealed that it was the selectors' call to drop Marsh, who has fared poorly with both bat and ball in the five-match series in Australia. He said, "Mitchy (Marsh) obviously hasn't quite got the runs, and perhaps wickets this series. So we felt like it was time for a freshen up and Beau's been great," Cummins said.
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"It's a shame for Mitchy, because we know how much he brings to the team, but feel like now it's a good week for Beau to get a chance," he added.
Webster has done remarkably well in the domestic circuit. He ended as the highest scorer in the Shield last season with 938 runs and during a recent one-day match against Western Australia, the all-rounder claimed six wickets for 17 runs.
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/gautam-gambhirs-position-as-head-coach-not-safe-after-india-close-2024-with-mcg-defeat-report-8583356" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Gautam Gambhir's position as head coach not safe after India close 2024 with MCG defeat: Report</a>
Regarding Starc, the wily pacer battled pain and bowled in the second innings of the fourth and penultimate Test, at the MCG, Melbourne, sending down 16 overs without any compromise on pace. With him fit, the hosts will be confident of ending the series with a 3-1 scoreline.
Australia beat India by 184 runs in the Boxing Day Test, in Melbourne, to take an unassailable 2-1 lead. They now aim to regain the BGT for the first time since 2014-15 with a win in Sydney.
Australia XI for New Year's Test vs India
Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (captain), Mitch Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland.

Cricket, Sports | Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25: Mitchell Starc declared fit, Mitchell Marsh dropped as Australia name playing XI for Sydney Test versus India

Australia announced their playing XI for the fifth and final Test versus India, at the SCG in Sydney, on Thursday (Jan 2). Ahead of the New Year's Test, which is also the series decider of the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Mitchell Starc has been declared fit whereas debutant Beau Webster replaces a struggling all-rounder Mitchell Marsh. Speaking to the press ahead of the SCG Test, Australia skipper Pat Cummins revealed that it was the selectors' call to drop Marsh, who has fared poorly with both bat and ball in the five-match series in Australia. He said, "Mitchy (Marsh) obviously hasn't quite got the runs, and perhaps wickets this series. So we felt like it was time for a freshen up and Beau's been great," Cummins said. "It's a shame for Mitchy, because we know how much he brings to the team, but feel like now it's a good week for Beau to get a chance," he added. Webster has done remarkably well in the domestic circuit. He ended as the highest scorer in the Shield last season with 938 runs and during a recent one-day match against Western Australia, the all-rounder claimed six wickets for 17 runs. Also read: Gautam Gambhir's position as head coach not safe after India close 2024 with MCG defeat: Report Regarding Starc, the wily pacer battled pain and bowled in the second innings of the fourth and penultimate Test, at the MCG, Melbourne, sending down 16 overs without any compromise on pace. With him fit, the hosts will be confident of ending the series with a 3-1 scoreline. Australia beat India by 184 runs in the Boxing Day Test, in Melbourne, to take an unassailable 2-1 lead. They now aim to regain the BGT for the first time since 2014-15 with a win in Sydney. Australia XI for New Year's Test vs India Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (captain), Mitch Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland.

BGT: Mitchell Starc declared fit, debutant replaces Mitchell Marsh as Australia name playing XI for SCG Test

Australian quick Mitchell Starc suffered an injury scare on day three of the Boxing Day Test against India at the MCG, putting his participation in the remainder of the series under a dark cloud. Though the 34-year-old appeared to have pulled up sometime during the first two sessions, having played four Tests on the trot now, his teammate and fellow pacer Scott Boland expects &lsquo;tough guy&rsquo; Starc to remain fit for the MCG cracker.
Starc bowled through pain in the first two sessions on Saturday (Dec 28), but after returning to the attack following tea, he clocked over 140 kmph, though he held his back during this.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-could-have-dismissed-him-6-7-times-jasprit-bumrah-on-sam-konstas-attacking-him-on-day-1-at-mcg-8573029" rel="dofollow">BGT: &lsquo;Could have dismissed him 6-7 times&hellip;,&rsquo; Bumrah on Konstas' attack</a>
Boland reckons despite the team doctor working on him for the final hour, Starc would take his time before rejoining Captain Pat Cummins and Boland for the final innings against India at the 'G'. &nbsp;
"He's okay. I think he's just had a bit of a niggle in his back or rib, but he came out after the (tea) break and was bowling 140 (kmph), so I think he'll be fine," Boland said to the ABC reporters after the third day&rsquo;s play. "Playing a Test match is pretty hard on your body, and he's played all four Tests so far. I think he's just a little bit stiff in his back."
<h2>Been there, done that</h2>
Two years ago, against South Africa during the Boxing Day Test, Starc bowled with a broken thumb and won the game for his country, gaining a reputation of a tough guy. Speaking on the same lines, Boland said he is confident that Starc would be returning to his best for India&rsquo;s second innings and pushing the host for a plausible win.
"I think he's underrated for how tough he is," Boland said. "A couple of years ago here at the MCG he had a broken finger and we were planning for him not to bowl at all &ndash; and then he came out and bowled 140k swingers.
"He's someone who can play through a lot of pain. You can tell he's played (93) Test matches now. As a fast bowler, there's not many Tests you play without any niggle at all. He's someone who can still bowl the same pace even when he is really sore &ndash; which is a great trait to have,&rdquo; he continued.
Meanwhile, should Starc fail to recover from a potential niggle for the remainder of the series, Australia would be without two of their premier seamers &ndash; Starc and Josh Hazlewood, who is out for side strain, mounting pressure on the hosts.&nbsp;
Though they have Jhye Richardson and Seam Abbott as reserves, with Brendan Doggett also shadowing the Aussie team for the first three Tests, Australia will have to take a call to decide who replaces Starc in the XI. Given Doggett and Abbott haven't made their Test debuts, Richardson remains the only capped option for the hosts.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Cricket sports | Starc bowled through pain in the first two sessions on day three, but after returning to the attack following tea, he clocked over 140 kmph, though he held his back during this.

Australian quick Mitchell Starc suffered an injury scare on day three of the Boxing Day Test against India at the MCG, putting his participation in the remainder of the series under a dark cloud. Though the 34-year-old appeared to have pulled up sometime during the first two sessions, having played four Tests on the trot now, his teammate and fellow pacer Scott Boland expects ‘tough guy’ Starc to remain fit for the MCG cracker. Starc bowled through pain in the first two sessions on Saturday (Dec 28), but after returning to the attack following tea, he clocked over 140 kmph, though he held his back during this. Also read | BGT: ‘Could have dismissed him 6-7 times…,’ Bumrah on Konstas' attack Boland reckons despite the team doctor working on him for the final hour, Starc would take his time before rejoining Captain Pat Cummins and Boland for the final innings against India at the 'G'. "He's okay. I think he's just had a bit of a niggle in his back or rib, but he came out after the (tea) break and was bowling 140 (kmph), so I think he'll be fine," Boland said to the ABC reporters after the third day’s play. "Playing a Test match is pretty hard on your body, and he's played all four Tests so far. I think he's just a little bit stiff in his back." Been there, done that Two years ago, against South Africa during the Boxing Day Test, Starc bowled with a broken thumb and won the game for his country, gaining a reputation of a tough guy. Speaking on the same lines, Boland said he is confident that Starc would be returning to his best for India’s second innings and pushing the host for a plausible win. "I think he's underrated for how tough he is," Boland said. "A couple of years ago here at the MCG he had a broken finger and we were planning for him not to bowl at all – and then he came out and bowled 140k swingers. "He's someone who can play through a lot of pain. You can tell he's played (93) Test matches now. As a fast bowler, there's not many Tests you play without any niggle at all. He's someone who can still bowl the same pace even when he is really sore – which is a great trait to have,” he continued. Meanwhile, should Starc fail to recover from a potential niggle for the remainder of the series, Australia would be without two of their premier seamers – Starc and Josh Hazlewood, who is out for side strain, mounting pressure on the hosts. Though they have Jhye Richardson and Seam Abbott as reserves, with Brendan Doggett also shadowing the Aussie team for the first three Tests, Australia will have to take a call to decide who replaces Starc in the XI. Given Doggett and Abbott haven't made their Test debuts, Richardson remains the only capped option for the hosts. (With inputs from agencies)

BGT – Boland backs 'tough guy' Starc for MCG cracker despite injury scare

Australia scripted a stunning comeback in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy by winning the second Test in Adelaide by 10 wickets and levelling the marquee five-match series 1-1. The Aussie openers took just 3.2&nbsp;overs to complete the 19-run chase and win the game inside three days. For the hosts, Captain Pat Cummins returned with a five-for in the second innings, while Mitchell Starc made headlines for his career-best spell in the first.

India began day three on 128 for five, trailing behind by 29 runs, with Rishabh Pant and Nitish Kumar Reddy at the crease. Given their penchant to score runs, the Indian fans hoped for a positive start; however, Starc had different plans.

The left-arm quick removed Pant on the last ball of his first over on 28 before Cummins picked three wickets, including Nitish Reddy - India’s highest scorer in both innings, completing his five-for.

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The rare caught-at-fly-slip! 
 
Pat Cummins raises the pink ball with his fifth wicket! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MilestoneMoment?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MilestoneMoment</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/nrmainsurance?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nrmainsurance</a> <a href="https://t.co/kVKBdW346Q">pic.twitter.com/kVKBdW346Q</a>
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1865624743912628598?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, all eyes were on Mohammed Siraj, who shared a light moment with Travis Head following what unfolded on day two, with the crowd and commentators applauding their sportsman spirit.&nbsp;

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Just a couple of mates clarifying things...<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/XzcInyAKLK">pic.twitter.com/XzcInyAKLK</a>
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/7Cricket/status/1865624462701252755?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Scott Boland picked the final wicket of Siraj to wrap India’s innings on 175, with Australia needing a mere 19 to win the game and level the series.

<h2>Australia on top from ball one</h2>

After going down in the BGT opener in Perth, Australia needed a miraculous start to pull them up from that embarrassment at the Optus Stadium. Starc’s first-ball wicket (of Yashasvi Jaiswal) did that. Australia pulled the trigger from the word go and never looked back.&nbsp;

Like how the Oz folded India inside two sessions on day one in Perth, they did the same in the second Test with the pink ball, reducing the visitors to 180 in their first innings. Starc returned with 6/48, his best Test bowling figures.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-travis-head-lieddidnt-say-well-bowled-siraj-speaks-up-on-send-off-row-782388">BGT: Travis Head lied...didn't say 'well-bowled' - Siraj speaks up on send-off row</a>

Meanwhile, Australian batters performed&nbsp;better this time, weathering the Jasprit Bumrah storm late on day one under the lights.

Although the India seamer picked three wickets, including two early on day two, he failed to break Head’s marvellous run with the bat at his home ground, who scored a stunning 140 off 141 to see Australia walk away with a 157-run lead.&nbsp;

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Gottim! First over of the day and Starc strikes <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/6GUmKA4ujO">pic.twitter.com/6GUmKA4ujO</a>
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1865608981693026669?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Later in the day, the Aussie quicks made light work of India’s batting order, sending everyone packing, including last game’s heroes Jaiswal and Virat Kohli. Captain Rohit Sharma, who decided to bat at number six in his return game, failed miserably with the bat, getting on single digits across both innings.&nbsp;

India and Australia will square off in the third Test at the Gabba in Brisbane starting December 14.&nbsp;

Australia scripted a stunning comeback in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy by winning the second Test in Adelaide by 10 wickets and levelling the marquee five-match series 1-1.

Australia scripted a stunning comeback in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy by winning the second Test in Adelaide by 10 wickets and levelling the marquee five-match series 1-1. The Aussie openers took just 3.2 overs to complete the 19-run chase and win the game inside three days. For the hosts, Captain Pat Cummins returned with a five-for in the second innings, while Mitchell Starc made headlines for his career-best spell in the first. India began day three on 128 for five, trailing behind by 29 runs, with Rishabh Pant and Nitish Kumar Reddy at the crease. Given their penchant to score runs, the Indian fans hoped for a positive start; however, Starc had different plans. The left-arm quick removed Pant on the last ball of his first over on 28 before Cummins picked three wickets, including Nitish Reddy - India’s highest scorer in both innings, completing his five-for. The rare caught-at-fly-slip! Pat Cummins raises the pink ball with his fifth wicket! #AUSvIND | #MilestoneMoment | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/kVKBdW346Q — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 8, 2024 × Meanwhile, all eyes were on Mohammed Siraj, who shared a light moment with Travis Head following what unfolded on day two, with the crowd and commentators applauding their sportsman spirit. Just a couple of mates clarifying things...#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/XzcInyAKLK — 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 8, 2024 × Scott Boland picked the final wicket of Siraj to wrap India’s innings on 175, with Australia needing a mere 19 to win the game and level the series. Australia on top from ball one After going down in the BGT opener in Perth, Australia needed a miraculous start to pull them up from that embarrassment at the Optus Stadium. Starc’s first-ball wicket (of Yashasvi Jaiswal) did that. Australia pulled the trigger from the word go and never looked back. Like how the Oz folded India inside two sessions on day one in Perth, they did the same in the second Test with the pink ball, reducing the visitors to 180 in their first innings. Starc returned with 6/48, his best Test bowling figures. ALSO READ: BGT: Travis Head lied...didn't say 'well-bowled' - Siraj speaks up on send-off row Meanwhile, Australian batters performed better this time, weathering the Jasprit Bumrah storm late on day one under the lights. Although the India seamer picked three wickets, including two early on day two, he failed to break Head’s marvellous run with the bat at his home ground, who scored a stunning 140 off 141 to see Australia walk away with a 157-run lead. Gottim! First over of the day and Starc strikes #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/6GUmKA4ujO — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 8, 2024 × Later in the day, the Aussie quicks made light work of India’s batting order, sending everyone packing, including last game’s heroes Jaiswal and Virat Kohli. Captain Rohit Sharma, who decided to bat at number six in his return game, failed miserably with the bat, getting on single digits across both innings. India and Australia will square off in the third Test at the Gabba in Brisbane starting December 14.

BGT, Pink-Ball Test: Australia level series in Adelaide after Cummins, Starc heroics

It was a perfect start for Australia in the pink-ball Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test match on Friday (Dec 6) as star pacer Mitchell Starc scalped Yashasvi Jaiswal on the first ball of the match. Playing at the Adelaide Oval, Starc got the better of the Indian batter on the first ball to stun the Indian contingent. This follows after Jaiswal had scored a hundred in the second innings of the Perth Test match which helped India win by a record 295 runs and thus establish a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

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First ball, first wicket! Yashasvi Jaiswal departs for a golden duck 🦆. What a dramatic start to the match! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsAUS</a> <a href="https://t.co/KxdTbUd9PD">pic.twitter.com/KxdTbUd9PD</a>
— Vipul Goyal (@GipulVoyal) <a href="https://twitter.com/GipulVoyal/status/1864885344866353266?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Jaiswal’s mix form continues</h2>

Having been dismissed for a duck in the first innings of the Perth Test, Starc was Jaiswal’s biggest nightmare yet again as he got the better of the left-hand batter for the second time in the series. Interestingly, on both occasions, he was dismissed for a duck. This came after India had opted to bat first having won the toss at the Adelaide Oval.

The duck is Jaiswal’s third in his brief Test career while second in this BGT, it is also the first time he has been dismissed for a golden duck. The poor start meant, returning Shubman Gill was called into action on the second ball of the Adelaide Test match. Gill was one of the three changes in the Indian side having missed the Perth Test due to a fractured thumb.

He returned to the Indian team alongside skipper Rohit Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin with Washington Sundar, Devdutt Padikkal and Dhruv Jurel making way for the trio.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/napoli-knocked-out-of-copa-italia-by-lazios-hat-trick-hero-tijjani-noslin-781871">Napoli knocked out of Copa Italia by Lazio's hat-trick hero Tijjani Noslin</a>

Australia on the other hand had confirmed their Playing XI on Thursday as Josh Hazlewood made way for Scott Boland. He was the only change in the squad as the hosts continue to go with three frontline seamers partnered by Nathan Lyon in the spin department.

<h2>Teams:</h2>

Australia (Playing XI): Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey(w), Pat Cummins(c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland

India (Playing XI): Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant(w), Rohit Sharma(c), Nitish Reddy, Ravichandran Ashwin, Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj

It was a perfect start for Australia in the pink-ball Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test match on Friday (Dec 6) as star pacer Mitchell Starc scalped Yashasvi Jaiswal on the first ball of the match.

It was a perfect start for Australia in the pink-ball Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test match on Friday (Dec 6) as star pacer Mitchell Starc scalped Yashasvi Jaiswal on the first ball of the match. Playing at the Adelaide Oval, Starc got the better of the Indian batter on the first ball to stun the Indian contingent. This follows after Jaiswal had scored a hundred in the second innings of the Perth Test match which helped India win by a record 295 runs and thus establish a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. First ball, first wicket! Yashasvi Jaiswal departs for a golden duck 🦆. What a dramatic start to the match! #INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/KxdTbUd9PD — Vipul Goyal (@GipulVoyal) December 6, 2024 × Jaiswal’s mix form continues Having been dismissed for a duck in the first innings of the Perth Test, Starc was Jaiswal’s biggest nightmare yet again as he got the better of the left-hand batter for the second time in the series. Interestingly, on both occasions, he was dismissed for a duck. This came after India had opted to bat first having won the toss at the Adelaide Oval. The duck is Jaiswal’s third in his brief Test career while second in this BGT, it is also the first time he has been dismissed for a golden duck. The poor start meant, returning Shubman Gill was called into action on the second ball of the Adelaide Test match. Gill was one of the three changes in the Indian side having missed the Perth Test due to a fractured thumb. He returned to the Indian team alongside skipper Rohit Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin with Washington Sundar, Devdutt Padikkal and Dhruv Jurel making way for the trio. ALSO READ | Napoli knocked out of Copa Italia by Lazio's hat-trick hero Tijjani Noslin Australia on the other hand had confirmed their Playing XI on Thursday as Josh Hazlewood made way for Scott Boland. He was the only change in the squad as the hosts continue to go with three frontline seamers partnered by Nathan Lyon in the spin department. Teams: Australia (Playing XI): Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey(w), Pat Cummins(c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland India (Playing XI): Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant(w), Rohit Sharma(c), Nitish Reddy, Ravichandran Ashwin, Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj

BGT 2024/25: Mitchell Starc strikes gold with first-ball wicket of Yashasvi Jaiswal in Adelaide Test - WATCH

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