16 days ago
India's road to the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2027 has become much clearer following the recent Tests that were played.
As every match affects the percentage points table (PCT), India still finds themselves in the race, but with very little to spare as they move forward towards the end of the cycle.
In the first of the two Tests that India played against Sri Lanka, the visitors registered a massive 165-run victory in Galle and then aimed to complete a whitewash. However, a valiant performance from Sri Lanka in the final day of the 2nd Test in Colombo helped them to hold the visitors to a draw in the final match of the series.
After a surprise win over Australia in the first Test, Bangladesh succumbed to an embarrassing loss in the second and final match of the series in Mackay. Till date, Bangladesh hold on to the fourth position but India can overtake them if they win the second match.
England moved to the sixth position, replacing Sri Lanka after their 3-0 whitewash win over Pakistan on September 12.
#bangladesh
As every match affects the percentage points table (PCT), India still finds themselves in the race, but with very little to spare as they move forward towards the end of the cycle.
In the first of the two Tests that India played against Sri Lanka, the visitors registered a massive 165-run victory in Galle and then aimed to complete a whitewash. However, a valiant performance from Sri Lanka in the final day of the 2nd Test in Colombo helped them to hold the visitors to a draw in the final match of the series.
After a surprise win over Australia in the first Test, Bangladesh succumbed to an embarrassing loss in the second and final match of the series in Mackay. Till date, Bangladesh hold on to the fourth position but India can overtake them if they win the second match.
England moved to the sixth position, replacing Sri Lanka after their 3-0 whitewash win over Pakistan on September 12.
#bangladesh
16 days ago
Pakistan great Wasim Akram has expressed frustration over the country's continued struggles in Test cricket, arguing that the lack of quality batting talent emerging through the system has become a major concern.
Speaking to the media in Lahore on Friday, the former fast bowler said Pakistan's home-and-away Test series defeat to Bangladesh should have prompted the authorities to take immediate corrective measures. Instead, he felt little changed after what should have been a warning sign.
Akram pointed towards the Pakistan Super League (PSL), which has been running for a decade, and questioned whether the tournament had produced any significant batting talent for the national team.
"It has been 10 years since the PSL started, but has a single batter been produced by the PSL? Yes we have produced a few bowlers but tell me have we produced any noteworthy batting talent," he questioned.
Akram also highlighted the emergence of a 15-year-old batting talent in neighbouring India, an apparent reference to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, as an example of the kind of player Pakistan needs to produce.
"I think when we produce a batting talent like the 14-year old then we will see improvement coming through," Akram said.
While he felt Pakistan remained competitive in white-ball cricket, the former pacer was far less optimistic about the team's position in the longer format, describing the state of Test cricket as "bad".
Akram also played down the importance of who takes charge as Pakistan's coach, saying that whether the PCB appoints him or Gary Kirsten, the fundamental challenge would remain because the coach would still be working with the same pool of players.
Rather than repeatedly changing personnel, Akram called for the PCB's domestic structure to be given time to produce results. He believes the system should be allowed to operate for three to four years, with patience and long-term planning essential to any improvement.
Akram admitted that he was just as disappointed as any other Pakistani by the team's recent performances.
"Club cricket needs to be revived if we want improvement in red ball cricket. The PCB should spend 100 million rupees each in Karachi and Lahore, as talent comes from club cricket."
He also called for greater consistency in the national side, pointing out that Pakistan have continued to rotate players without addressing the underlying problems.
He said there should be consistency in the team, but the players remain the same -- they just keep coming and going.
Pakistan's ongoing Test series in England also came under scrutiny, with Akram criticising the team's approach against the home bowlers.
"In England in the ongoing series they didn't move their front foot forward, playing bowlers like Ollie Robinson while standing rooted in the crease. You need to play with courage, but for that, talent is essential."
Akram also offered his ******* sment of Pakistan's fast-bowling resources, arguing that raw pa
Speaking to the media in Lahore on Friday, the former fast bowler said Pakistan's home-and-away Test series defeat to Bangladesh should have prompted the authorities to take immediate corrective measures. Instead, he felt little changed after what should have been a warning sign.
Akram pointed towards the Pakistan Super League (PSL), which has been running for a decade, and questioned whether the tournament had produced any significant batting talent for the national team.
"It has been 10 years since the PSL started, but has a single batter been produced by the PSL? Yes we have produced a few bowlers but tell me have we produced any noteworthy batting talent," he questioned.
Akram also highlighted the emergence of a 15-year-old batting talent in neighbouring India, an apparent reference to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, as an example of the kind of player Pakistan needs to produce.
"I think when we produce a batting talent like the 14-year old then we will see improvement coming through," Akram said.
While he felt Pakistan remained competitive in white-ball cricket, the former pacer was far less optimistic about the team's position in the longer format, describing the state of Test cricket as "bad".
Akram also played down the importance of who takes charge as Pakistan's coach, saying that whether the PCB appoints him or Gary Kirsten, the fundamental challenge would remain because the coach would still be working with the same pool of players.
Rather than repeatedly changing personnel, Akram called for the PCB's domestic structure to be given time to produce results. He believes the system should be allowed to operate for three to four years, with patience and long-term planning essential to any improvement.
Akram admitted that he was just as disappointed as any other Pakistani by the team's recent performances.
"Club cricket needs to be revived if we want improvement in red ball cricket. The PCB should spend 100 million rupees each in Karachi and Lahore, as talent comes from club cricket."
He also called for greater consistency in the national side, pointing out that Pakistan have continued to rotate players without addressing the underlying problems.
He said there should be consistency in the team, but the players remain the same -- they just keep coming and going.
Pakistan's ongoing Test series in England also came under scrutiny, with Akram criticising the team's approach against the home bowlers.
"In England in the ongoing series they didn't move their front foot forward, playing bowlers like Ollie Robinson while standing rooted in the crease. You need to play with courage, but for that, talent is essential."
Akram also offered his ******* sment of Pakistan's fast-bowling resources, arguing that raw pa
20 days ago
Afghanistan are set for a packed international season in the UAE, with Bangladesh and Zimbabwe joining them for a series of matches across all three formats between October and November 2026.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced a one-off Test against Bangladesh, followed by an ODI tri-series involving all three teams. Afghanistan will then host Zimbabwe in a three-match T20I series and a two-match Test series to round off the tour.
The ODI leg will see Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe compete in a single round-robin format, with each team facing the other once. The top two sides will then meet in the final.
The tri-series schedule is:
October 17: Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe
October 19: Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe
October 21: Afghanistan vs Bangladesh
#november
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced a one-off Test against Bangladesh, followed by an ODI tri-series involving all three teams. Afghanistan will then host Zimbabwe in a three-match T20I series and a two-match Test series to round off the tour.
The ODI leg will see Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe compete in a single round-robin format, with each team facing the other once. The top two sides will then meet in the final.
The tri-series schedule is:
October 17: Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe
October 19: Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe
October 21: Afghanistan vs Bangladesh
#november
20 days ago
India continue to make their presence felt at the top of the Women's T20I bowling rankings, with Sree Charani holding on to the No. 1 spot and Deepti Sharma making a two-place jump to sixth following her strong showing at the Asia Cup 2026.
Deepti has been one of India's standout performers in the tournament, claiming eight wickets in three matches as the team booked its place in the semi-finals.
The right-arm spinner's consistent performances have earned her a significant rise in the latest rankings. Deepti, who had previously reached the top spot in December last year, is now within 60 rating points of Charani. Sophie Ecclestone, Charlie Dean, Nonkululeko Mlaba and Lauren Bell are the four bowlers positioned between the two Indian stars.
With Charani and Deepti occupying the top two positions, India continues to dominate the upper reaches of the T20I bowling rankings.
Several players also made significant gains in the latest T20I rankings after their performances at the Asia Cup. Bangladesh's Marufa Akter was among the biggest movers, climbing 19 places to 18th in the bowling rankings. Chamari Athapaththu moved up five spots to 28th, while Sultana Khatun gained nine places to share 37th.
Thailand's Thipatcha Putthawong rose four places to 47th, while teammate Suleeporn Laomi jumped 10 spots to 53rd. There were also gains among Bangladesh's batters, with Sobhana Mostary moving up three places to 36th and Dilara Akter climbing five spots to 62nd.
The latest ODI rankings also saw notable movement following England's home series against Ireland. Stand-in England captain Charlie Dean moved up one place to jointly occupy ninth in the ODI all-rounders' rankings. She also climbed two spots to share 11th among ODI bowlers after taking three wickets in the three-match series.
England's Lauren Filer made an impressive 14-place jump to 39th, while Ireland's Cara Murray rose 16 places to 50th in the ODI bowling rankings.
Ireland youngster Amy Hunter emerged as the biggest winner among ODI batters, moving up nine places to 11th. England's Maia Bouchier climbed 13 spots to 42nd, while Sophia Dunkley made an even bigger leap of 26 places to reach 43rd.
#rankings #places #three #latest
Deepti has been one of India's standout performers in the tournament, claiming eight wickets in three matches as the team booked its place in the semi-finals.
The right-arm spinner's consistent performances have earned her a significant rise in the latest rankings. Deepti, who had previously reached the top spot in December last year, is now within 60 rating points of Charani. Sophie Ecclestone, Charlie Dean, Nonkululeko Mlaba and Lauren Bell are the four bowlers positioned between the two Indian stars.
With Charani and Deepti occupying the top two positions, India continues to dominate the upper reaches of the T20I bowling rankings.
Several players also made significant gains in the latest T20I rankings after their performances at the Asia Cup. Bangladesh's Marufa Akter was among the biggest movers, climbing 19 places to 18th in the bowling rankings. Chamari Athapaththu moved up five spots to 28th, while Sultana Khatun gained nine places to share 37th.
Thailand's Thipatcha Putthawong rose four places to 47th, while teammate Suleeporn Laomi jumped 10 spots to 53rd. There were also gains among Bangladesh's batters, with Sobhana Mostary moving up three places to 36th and Dilara Akter climbing five spots to 62nd.
The latest ODI rankings also saw notable movement following England's home series against Ireland. Stand-in England captain Charlie Dean moved up one place to jointly occupy ninth in the ODI all-rounders' rankings. She also climbed two spots to share 11th among ODI bowlers after taking three wickets in the three-match series.
England's Lauren Filer made an impressive 14-place jump to 39th, while Ireland's Cara Murray rose 16 places to 50th in the ODI bowling rankings.
Ireland youngster Amy Hunter emerged as the biggest winner among ODI batters, moving up nine places to 11th. England's Maia Bouchier climbed 13 spots to 42nd, while Sophia Dunkley made an even bigger leap of 26 places to reach 43rd.
#rankings #places #three #latest
21 days ago
Bengaluru: The BCCI's decision to send a full-strength squad to the Asian Games later this month has brought one name into focus - Jasprit ***** rah. The premier India pacer has not played for India since the second ODI against England in Cardiff in July, when he limped off after suffering an impact injury to his left knee. He has since been undergoing rehabilitation and is part of India's squad for the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, although his participation is subject to fitness clearance.
With the Asian Games in ***** an beginning later this month, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar believes the tournament could provide ***** rah with valuable game time ahead of India's next major ***** ignment, the New Zealand tour.
The Asian Games, then, is the perfect opportunity for ***** rah to ease back into competitive cricket before that series. "There's a fair gap between the Asian Games and the New Zealand series, so playing ***** rah in the Asian Games is actually a good idea because he has to get some bowling under his belt. In Sri Lanka, we heard Mohammad Siraj was not quite in rhythm because he hadn't played enough in competitive matches. The bowlers need to get some overs and ***** rah getting them is very essential," Gavaskar said.
Although Shreyas Iyer has lost six of the seven T20Is he has led India in this year, Sunil Gavaskar backed him. "He's very experienced as a captain, having led Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings. I don't think there should be any pressure on him at the Asian Games. "
'Asian Games ***** le defence won't be easy'
Gavaskar was quick to add that the ***** le defence won't be an easy ride for India. "It's going to be tough because it's a T20 tournament. Bangladesh are in form, Pakistan are always dangerous and Sri Lanka are a terrific team, not to forget Afghanistan, so it's not going to be easy at all," he said. Gavaskar pointed out that the Asian Games will be a huge learning experience for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. "To be able to meet sportspersons from other sports from across Asia can be an absolute treat. For Sooryavanshi, I hope it turns out to be even more inspirational because he will get to rub shoulders with athletes who he's looked up to."
(This interaction was facilitated by Sony Sports Network)
#asian #easy #sunil #zealand
With the Asian Games in ***** an beginning later this month, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar believes the tournament could provide ***** rah with valuable game time ahead of India's next major ***** ignment, the New Zealand tour.
The Asian Games, then, is the perfect opportunity for ***** rah to ease back into competitive cricket before that series. "There's a fair gap between the Asian Games and the New Zealand series, so playing ***** rah in the Asian Games is actually a good idea because he has to get some bowling under his belt. In Sri Lanka, we heard Mohammad Siraj was not quite in rhythm because he hadn't played enough in competitive matches. The bowlers need to get some overs and ***** rah getting them is very essential," Gavaskar said.
Although Shreyas Iyer has lost six of the seven T20Is he has led India in this year, Sunil Gavaskar backed him. "He's very experienced as a captain, having led Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings. I don't think there should be any pressure on him at the Asian Games. "
'Asian Games ***** le defence won't be easy'
Gavaskar was quick to add that the ***** le defence won't be an easy ride for India. "It's going to be tough because it's a T20 tournament. Bangladesh are in form, Pakistan are always dangerous and Sri Lanka are a terrific team, not to forget Afghanistan, so it's not going to be easy at all," he said. Gavaskar pointed out that the Asian Games will be a huge learning experience for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. "To be able to meet sportspersons from other sports from across Asia can be an absolute treat. For Sooryavanshi, I hope it turns out to be even more inspirational because he will get to rub shoulders with athletes who he's looked up to."
(This interaction was facilitated by Sony Sports Network)
#asian #easy #sunil #zealand
22 days ago
Andrew Symonds once produced one of the rarest scoring feats in Test cricket, collecting eight runs from a single delivery during Australia's Test against New Zealand at the Gabba in Brisbane in 2008-09.
The bizarre sequence involved an all-run four followed by four overthrows, with New Zealand fast bowler Iain O'Brien at the centre of the drama. There was an added twist to the incident, as O'Brien had seen Symonds dropped off the previous delivery before eventually dismissing him just two ****** later.
Australia were 124 for four in the 46th over after Ricky Ponting had decided to bat in Brisbane.
O'Brien opened the over with a bouncer, which Symonds ducked under. The bowler went short again with his next delivery, and this time Symonds pulled the ball towards mid-wicket.
However, Aaron Redmond put down the chance.
O'Brien responded as fast bowlers often do after a missed opportunity, sending down another short delivery. This time, the ball was outside off-stump and Symonds attacked it ferociously with a pull.
The enormous Gabba outfield slowed the ball down, but Symonds and Michael Clarke had already completed three runs by the time Redmond got to it.
The pair then decided to push for another run, hoping to take advantage of the throw.
That decision produced chaos.
New Zealand wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum moved across to collect the return. He gathered the ball, turned and threw it towards the stumps, only to discover that Symonds had already made his ground.
There was another problem for New Zealand. ****** ody was positioned behind the wicketkeeper to stop the throw.
The ball therefore continued all the way to the boundary. Symonds had effectively turned a pull shot into an extraordinary eight-run haul.
Umpire Rudi Koertzen then signalled the total by raising eight fingers, meaning eight runs were added to Australia's score and Symonds' tally.
It was two more than the figure commonly described as the maximum possible from a single delivery and even one more than the total India received in a penalty-run incident against Bangladesh at Chattogram.
Symonds' eight-run delivery was only the fourth known instance of eight runs being scored from a single ball in Test cricket at that point.
The first recorded example came in Melbourne during the 1928-29 series, which was also the final Test of Don Bradman's first series.
England's Patsy Hendren scored eight after completing four runs and then benefiting from four overthrows off Australian debutant Percy Hornibrook.
Another unusual eight-run delivery occurred in Melbourne during the 1980-81 season.
New Zealand's John Wright was the beneficiary on that occasion. He ran four before four overthrows followed after Rod Marsh collected the fielder's return and threw the ball towards the stumps. The throw escaped and Wright picked up the additional runs off Lenny Pascoe's delivery.
The other known instance before Symonds came in Port-of-Spain during the
The bizarre sequence involved an all-run four followed by four overthrows, with New Zealand fast bowler Iain O'Brien at the centre of the drama. There was an added twist to the incident, as O'Brien had seen Symonds dropped off the previous delivery before eventually dismissing him just two ****** later.
Australia were 124 for four in the 46th over after Ricky Ponting had decided to bat in Brisbane.
O'Brien opened the over with a bouncer, which Symonds ducked under. The bowler went short again with his next delivery, and this time Symonds pulled the ball towards mid-wicket.
However, Aaron Redmond put down the chance.
O'Brien responded as fast bowlers often do after a missed opportunity, sending down another short delivery. This time, the ball was outside off-stump and Symonds attacked it ferociously with a pull.
The enormous Gabba outfield slowed the ball down, but Symonds and Michael Clarke had already completed three runs by the time Redmond got to it.
The pair then decided to push for another run, hoping to take advantage of the throw.
That decision produced chaos.
New Zealand wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum moved across to collect the return. He gathered the ball, turned and threw it towards the stumps, only to discover that Symonds had already made his ground.
There was another problem for New Zealand. ****** ody was positioned behind the wicketkeeper to stop the throw.
The ball therefore continued all the way to the boundary. Symonds had effectively turned a pull shot into an extraordinary eight-run haul.
Umpire Rudi Koertzen then signalled the total by raising eight fingers, meaning eight runs were added to Australia's score and Symonds' tally.
It was two more than the figure commonly described as the maximum possible from a single delivery and even one more than the total India received in a penalty-run incident against Bangladesh at Chattogram.
Symonds' eight-run delivery was only the fourth known instance of eight runs being scored from a single ball in Test cricket at that point.
The first recorded example came in Melbourne during the 1928-29 series, which was also the final Test of Don Bradman's first series.
England's Patsy Hendren scored eight after completing four runs and then benefiting from four overthrows off Australian debutant Percy Hornibrook.
Another unusual eight-run delivery occurred in Melbourne during the 1980-81 season.
New Zealand's John Wright was the beneficiary on that occasion. He ran four before four overthrows followed after Rod Marsh collected the fielder's return and threw the ball towards the stumps. The throw escaped and Wright picked up the additional runs off Lenny Pascoe's delivery.
The other known instance before Symonds came in Port-of-Spain during the
25 days ago
Michael Atherton has questioned the authority of Babar Azam and the role Pakistan's captains are allowed to play after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) made sweeping changes to the Test squad midway through the England series.
Pakistan suffered defeats in the opening two Tests and responded by sending seven players home. Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha and Imam-ul-Haq were among those removed from the squad, while coaches Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul were also asked to leave.
Mike Hesson will now take charge of the team for the third and final Test at Edgbaston, beginning on September 9.
The scale of the changes has placed Babar under increasing scrutiny. Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif had already argued that Babar should have resigned after the seven players were sent home, while also branding him a "dummy captain".
Atherton has now questioned whether Babar, or indeed any Pakistan captain, has enough influence within the setup to lead effectively following such a major intervention from the board.
The former England captain believes the changes could have lasting consequences for Pakistan, regardless of what happens in the final Test.
"Not in this instance, no, because of the damage it will do in the long term. This is no way to manage players and no way to build a long-term vision at all," Atherton said on the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast.
"I feel it's a horrible position for a captain, Babar Azam, to be in - and what kind of authority does he or indeed any captain of Pakistan have in this outfit?" he added.
Atherton suggested that the events of the England tour could make it extremely difficult for Babar to establish authority over the Pakistan dressing room.
He acknowledged that modern-day captains do not have the same control they once enjoyed, but insisted that a captain still needs to have a meaningful say in the team's affairs.
"One understands that the captain is not all-powerful these days, you're not going back 30 years ago when they perhaps ran the show, but they have to have some authority within a team," said Atherton.
The former England captain then raised a question over how Babar can move forward after the PCB's intervention.
"Given what's happened, how do you lead that team now?" he added.
Babar reclaimed Pakistan's Test captaincy from Shan Masood earlier this year after Bangladesh defeated Pakistan in their two-match series.
His side subsequently drew the series against the West Indies before travelling to England.
The 31-year-old missed the first Test against England because of an injury, but returned for the second match at Lord's.
His comeback, however, did little to ease Pakistan's batting problems. Babar scored only 8 and 6 as Pakistan suffered another heavy defeat.
England won the Lord's Test by 194 runs to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
With seven players removed and the coaching staff reshuffled, Babar now faces the challenge of leading a
Pakistan suffered defeats in the opening two Tests and responded by sending seven players home. Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha and Imam-ul-Haq were among those removed from the squad, while coaches Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul were also asked to leave.
Mike Hesson will now take charge of the team for the third and final Test at Edgbaston, beginning on September 9.
The scale of the changes has placed Babar under increasing scrutiny. Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif had already argued that Babar should have resigned after the seven players were sent home, while also branding him a "dummy captain".
Atherton has now questioned whether Babar, or indeed any Pakistan captain, has enough influence within the setup to lead effectively following such a major intervention from the board.
The former England captain believes the changes could have lasting consequences for Pakistan, regardless of what happens in the final Test.
"Not in this instance, no, because of the damage it will do in the long term. This is no way to manage players and no way to build a long-term vision at all," Atherton said on the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast.
"I feel it's a horrible position for a captain, Babar Azam, to be in - and what kind of authority does he or indeed any captain of Pakistan have in this outfit?" he added.
Atherton suggested that the events of the England tour could make it extremely difficult for Babar to establish authority over the Pakistan dressing room.
He acknowledged that modern-day captains do not have the same control they once enjoyed, but insisted that a captain still needs to have a meaningful say in the team's affairs.
"One understands that the captain is not all-powerful these days, you're not going back 30 years ago when they perhaps ran the show, but they have to have some authority within a team," said Atherton.
The former England captain then raised a question over how Babar can move forward after the PCB's intervention.
"Given what's happened, how do you lead that team now?" he added.
Babar reclaimed Pakistan's Test captaincy from Shan Masood earlier this year after Bangladesh defeated Pakistan in their two-match series.
His side subsequently drew the series against the West Indies before travelling to England.
The 31-year-old missed the first Test against England because of an injury, but returned for the second match at Lord's.
His comeback, however, did little to ease Pakistan's batting problems. Babar scored only 8 and 6 as Pakistan suffered another heavy defeat.
England won the Lord's Test by 194 runs to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
With seven players removed and the coaching staff reshuffled, Babar now faces the challenge of leading a
28 days ago
Marnus Labuschagne has been left out of Australia's ODI squad for the upcoming tours of Zimbabwe and South Africa, raising more questions about his future in the national team.
The batter had a poor run during Australia's recent ODI series in Pakistan and Bangladesh. Although he finished the Bangladesh campaign with an unbeaten 55 after being moved down the batting order, it was not enough to secure his place.
With Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh returning, Australia's selectors decided to leave Labuschagne out. His omission could also affect his chances of playing in the upcoming three-Test series against South Africa, especially after his disappointing performances against Bangladesh.
The six ODIs against Zimbabwe and South Africa are important for Australia's preparations for the 2027 World Cup, which will be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Australia will be led by Mitchell Marsh in Zimbabwe, while Pat ****** mins will join the team for the South Africa leg. ****** mins and Marsh could share captaincy duties depending on ****** mins' workload. Mitchell Starc will return for the South Africa matches, while Josh Hazlewood has been selected for both series.
Australia's ODI squad:Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Pat ****** mins (SA only), Joel Davies, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Mitchell Marsh, Oliver Peake, Matthew Renshaw, Billy Stanlake, Mitchell Starc (SA only), Adam Zampa.
New South Wales all-rounder Joel Davies has received his first ODI call-up after impressing in the T20I series against Bangladesh. Left-handed batter Ollie Peake has also kept his place.
Australia have added fast bowlers Spencer Johnson and Billy Stanlake. Johnson returns after recovering from a lengthy injury, while Stanlake recently ended a more than seven-year wait for another international appearance.
Cooper Connolly will remain with the ODI squad after his impressive 149 against Bangladesh.
The Zimbabwe series starts on September 15 in Harare, followed by matches on September 18 and 20. Australia will then play South Africa on September 24, 27 and 30.
#bangladesh
The batter had a poor run during Australia's recent ODI series in Pakistan and Bangladesh. Although he finished the Bangladesh campaign with an unbeaten 55 after being moved down the batting order, it was not enough to secure his place.
With Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh returning, Australia's selectors decided to leave Labuschagne out. His omission could also affect his chances of playing in the upcoming three-Test series against South Africa, especially after his disappointing performances against Bangladesh.
The six ODIs against Zimbabwe and South Africa are important for Australia's preparations for the 2027 World Cup, which will be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Australia will be led by Mitchell Marsh in Zimbabwe, while Pat ****** mins will join the team for the South Africa leg. ****** mins and Marsh could share captaincy duties depending on ****** mins' workload. Mitchell Starc will return for the South Africa matches, while Josh Hazlewood has been selected for both series.
Australia's ODI squad:Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Pat ****** mins (SA only), Joel Davies, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Mitchell Marsh, Oliver Peake, Matthew Renshaw, Billy Stanlake, Mitchell Starc (SA only), Adam Zampa.
New South Wales all-rounder Joel Davies has received his first ODI call-up after impressing in the T20I series against Bangladesh. Left-handed batter Ollie Peake has also kept his place.
Australia have added fast bowlers Spencer Johnson and Billy Stanlake. Johnson returns after recovering from a lengthy injury, while Stanlake recently ended a more than seven-year wait for another international appearance.
Cooper Connolly will remain with the ODI squad after his impressive 149 against Bangladesh.
The Zimbabwe series starts on September 15 in Harare, followed by matches on September 18 and 20. Australia will then play South Africa on September 24, 27 and 30.
#bangladesh
28 days ago
Twelve months out from the World Cup, the writing is on the wall for Marnus Labuschagne after he was axed from Australia's ODI squad for tour Zimbabwe and South Africa.
After a poor 50-over tour in Pakistan and Bangladesh, Labuschagne was among five players dropped for September's tour, with Matt Short, Ben Dwarshuis, Todd Murphy and Liam Scott also left out.
Victorian teenager Ollie Peake has been an opportunity to impress with the bat, while NSW all-rounder Joel Davies could also make his ODI debut in the matches against Zimbabwe.
Lynchpin fast bowlers Pat ****** mins and Mitchell Starc have both been selected, showing their intention to feature in next year's World Cup and also be raring to go for the Australian summer of cricket.
MORE: When does Australia play its next Test match? Opponents, dates, venues for Australia's upcoming Test schedule
#labuschagne #africa
After a poor 50-over tour in Pakistan and Bangladesh, Labuschagne was among five players dropped for September's tour, with Matt Short, Ben Dwarshuis, Todd Murphy and Liam Scott also left out.
Victorian teenager Ollie Peake has been an opportunity to impress with the bat, while NSW all-rounder Joel Davies could also make his ODI debut in the matches against Zimbabwe.
Lynchpin fast bowlers Pat ****** mins and Mitchell Starc have both been selected, showing their intention to feature in next year's World Cup and also be raring to go for the Australian summer of cricket.
MORE: When does Australia play its next Test match? Opponents, dates, venues for Australia's upcoming Test schedule
#labuschagne #africa
1 month ago
Bengaluru: While the Indian cricket team made its Asian Games debut in Hangzhou in 2023, its first appearance at a multi-sport event came at the 1998 Commonwealth Games. In Kuala Lumpur, a star-studded side featuring Sachin Tendulkar, Anil ***** ble, VVS Laxman and Harbhajan Singh bowed out in the league phase. Twenty-five years later, Laxman returned to the multi-sport arena, this time as coach, guiding India to gold in Hangzhou.
Now, as the Shreyas Iyer-led Indian team prepares to defend its ***** le at Korogi Athletic Park in Aichi Prefecture, ***** an beginning with the quarterfinals on Sept 28, Laxman spoke exclusively to TOI of the unique appeal of multi-sport events, India's Asian Games campaign and the experience of being part of the cricket team's journey from its first CWG appearance to maiden Asian Games gold.
"My first experience of a multi-discipline event was at the 1998 Commonwealth Games. The whole experience of being part of the Indian contingent feels really great, and that kind of experience every young cricketer should get. It's great that I've had that opportunity both as a player and coach," said the head of cricket at the BCCI Centre of Excellence.
Recalling the Hangzhou experience, the former batting great said, "Obviously, it's not like your mainstream cricket series or tournaments that we've been part of since we started playing for the country. The Asian Games was a great experience and exposure because not often do we get to visit the Games village, meet a sportsperson from other disciplines, interact with them, see how they train and prepare. A group of us went to support the Indian badminton team, which was fantastic."
India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are the seeded teams making the quarterfinals directly, with Afghanistan, ***** an, Nepal, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Oman fighting for the other four knockout berths.
While India will start favourites, they can ill afford to take the other teams lightly, with Nepal giving them a run for their medal in the previous edition before India won by 23 runs to make the semifinals.
India will play a match against ***** an and train in Tokyo for three days before heading to the host city. Laxman pointed to the match against Nepal and said, "One thing which we have learnt playing the game is never underestimate your opponent."
Beyond the game, Laxman believes it is about knowledge sharing.
"Given the experience and the exposure the Indian cricketers have, at the end of the match it's also about sharing that experience with players from other countries. After Nepal ran us close in the previous edition of the Asian Games, their coach invited me to talk to the team, which was an opportunity to share knowledge. It's not just me, but that's the way the entire group of players will approach the experience," Laxman stated.
#experience #nepal #hangzhou
Now, as the Shreyas Iyer-led Indian team prepares to defend its ***** le at Korogi Athletic Park in Aichi Prefecture, ***** an beginning with the quarterfinals on Sept 28, Laxman spoke exclusively to TOI of the unique appeal of multi-sport events, India's Asian Games campaign and the experience of being part of the cricket team's journey from its first CWG appearance to maiden Asian Games gold.
"My first experience of a multi-discipline event was at the 1998 Commonwealth Games. The whole experience of being part of the Indian contingent feels really great, and that kind of experience every young cricketer should get. It's great that I've had that opportunity both as a player and coach," said the head of cricket at the BCCI Centre of Excellence.
Recalling the Hangzhou experience, the former batting great said, "Obviously, it's not like your mainstream cricket series or tournaments that we've been part of since we started playing for the country. The Asian Games was a great experience and exposure because not often do we get to visit the Games village, meet a sportsperson from other disciplines, interact with them, see how they train and prepare. A group of us went to support the Indian badminton team, which was fantastic."
India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are the seeded teams making the quarterfinals directly, with Afghanistan, ***** an, Nepal, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Oman fighting for the other four knockout berths.
While India will start favourites, they can ill afford to take the other teams lightly, with Nepal giving them a run for their medal in the previous edition before India won by 23 runs to make the semifinals.
India will play a match against ***** an and train in Tokyo for three days before heading to the host city. Laxman pointed to the match against Nepal and said, "One thing which we have learnt playing the game is never underestimate your opponent."
Beyond the game, Laxman believes it is about knowledge sharing.
"Given the experience and the exposure the Indian cricketers have, at the end of the match it's also about sharing that experience with players from other countries. After Nepal ran us close in the previous edition of the Asian Games, their coach invited me to talk to the team, which was an opportunity to share knowledge. It's not just me, but that's the way the entire group of players will approach the experience," Laxman stated.
#experience #nepal #hangzhou
1 month ago
India begin their Women's Asia Cup 2026 journey in UAE against Thailand on August 30, with Harmanpreet Kaur's side looking to reclaim the continental ******* le.
This is the 10th edition of the tournament and sixth since it switched from the 50-over format to T20I cricket, taking place in Dubai between August 28 and September 13, with India placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, Thailand and Hong Kong.
The eight teams taking part in the tournament are split into two groups of four, and India's path to the final of the tournament will be determined by how well they perform in their group.
Whereas defending champions Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Indonesia and hosts UAE make up Group B of the tournament, and India have won the tournament a record seven out of nine times.
With all matches played at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, The Sporting News takes a look at India's complete Women's Asia Cup 2026 schedule, including fixtures, results and start times.
#group #august #taking #times
This is the 10th edition of the tournament and sixth since it switched from the 50-over format to T20I cricket, taking place in Dubai between August 28 and September 13, with India placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, Thailand and Hong Kong.
The eight teams taking part in the tournament are split into two groups of four, and India's path to the final of the tournament will be determined by how well they perform in their group.
Whereas defending champions Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Indonesia and hosts UAE make up Group B of the tournament, and India have won the tournament a record seven out of nine times.
With all matches played at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, The Sporting News takes a look at India's complete Women's Asia Cup 2026 schedule, including fixtures, results and start times.
#group #august #taking #times
1 month ago
By Ruma Paul
DHAKA, Aug 25 (Reuters) - Bangladesh could consider joining the Mecca pact, a mutual defence agreement signed this month between Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan, a minister said, a move that could complicate its foreign relations, particularly with neighbouring India.
Ties have been strained as Bangladesh accused Indian border forces of forcibly pushing in people while it seeks extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has lived in exile in India since her ouster in a protest movement in August 2024.
"If there is a security arrangement among Islamic nations in the Middle East, it is not unusual for us to consider participating. It is being viewed positively," said junior foreign minister Humayun Kabir.
"They are inviting the leadership of Bangladesh, particularly Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, to come and participate," he told reporters on Monday.
#India #ruma
DHAKA, Aug 25 (Reuters) - Bangladesh could consider joining the Mecca pact, a mutual defence agreement signed this month between Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan, a minister said, a move that could complicate its foreign relations, particularly with neighbouring India.
Ties have been strained as Bangladesh accused Indian border forces of forcibly pushing in people while it seeks extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has lived in exile in India since her ouster in a protest movement in August 2024.
"If there is a security arrangement among Islamic nations in the Middle East, it is not unusual for us to consider participating. It is being viewed positively," said junior foreign minister Humayun Kabir.
"They are inviting the leadership of Bangladesh, particularly Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, to come and participate," he told reporters on Monday.
#India #ruma
1 month ago
Derby County have submitted a bid to Leicester City for Bangladesh international Hamza Choudhury with the Foxes keen to offload the 28-year-old midfielder from their wage bill. (Leicester Mercury)
Derby are also closing in on a loan deal for Pisa's Danish striker Henrik Meister. The Rams will pay a £1.3m loan fee and will have the option to buy the 22-year-old for about £7.7m. (SestaPorta - in Italian)
For more EFL transfer news and rumours, read Thursday's full gossip column here.
#year #bangladesh #foxes
Derby are also closing in on a loan deal for Pisa's Danish striker Henrik Meister. The Rams will pay a £1.3m loan fee and will have the option to buy the 22-year-old for about £7.7m. (SestaPorta - in Italian)
For more EFL transfer news and rumours, read Thursday's full gossip column here.
#year #bangladesh #foxes
1 month ago
India appeared to have wrested control of the second Test against Sri Lanka after a late burst of wickets, but rain could yet play a major role in determining the outcome of the Test and, in turn, India's WTC campaign.
Sri Lanka were 218 for 6 in their second innings when play was called off early, with Sonal Dinusha and Keshara Nuwantha unbeaten at the crease. The hosts had earlier mounted a spirited fightback through Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Kamindu Mendis, raising the prospect of a draw if further rain disrupts the final day.
Such an outcome could hurt India's chances of making the WTC final.
India are currently fifth in the WTC standings with a points percentage of 53.33. A victory over Sri Lanka would lift Shubman Gill's side to fourth place following Bangladesh's heavy defeat to Australia. A draw, however, would leave India in fifth place with their PCT slipping to 51.52.
The bigger concern is the shrinking margin for error in the remainder of the cycle.
India will have seven Tests left after this match, including a two-Test tour of New Zealand in November before a five-Test home series against Australia next year. Having already lost four of their 10 Tests in the current cycle, India can ill afford many more setbacks.
If India win seven of their remaining eight Tests, including this match, they can finish with a PCT of 68.52. But six wins and two defeats would leave them at 62.96, a figure that may not be enough based on recent qualification trends.
Three of the four teams to reach the WTC final across the last two cycles had a PCT of more than 65, with India's 58.8 in the 2023 cycle the lone exception. Both finalists in 2025 finished above 67.
The calculations also ******* ume India do not lose any points through over-rate penalties.
For now, India remain well placed in the Test after Manav Suthar and Saransh Jain struck regularly in the final session. But with Sri Lanka still fighting and rain already interrupting play, a result remains crucial not just for the series but for India's increasingly tight road to the WTC final.
#test #final
Sri Lanka were 218 for 6 in their second innings when play was called off early, with Sonal Dinusha and Keshara Nuwantha unbeaten at the crease. The hosts had earlier mounted a spirited fightback through Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Kamindu Mendis, raising the prospect of a draw if further rain disrupts the final day.
Such an outcome could hurt India's chances of making the WTC final.
India are currently fifth in the WTC standings with a points percentage of 53.33. A victory over Sri Lanka would lift Shubman Gill's side to fourth place following Bangladesh's heavy defeat to Australia. A draw, however, would leave India in fifth place with their PCT slipping to 51.52.
The bigger concern is the shrinking margin for error in the remainder of the cycle.
India will have seven Tests left after this match, including a two-Test tour of New Zealand in November before a five-Test home series against Australia next year. Having already lost four of their 10 Tests in the current cycle, India can ill afford many more setbacks.
If India win seven of their remaining eight Tests, including this match, they can finish with a PCT of 68.52. But six wins and two defeats would leave them at 62.96, a figure that may not be enough based on recent qualification trends.
Three of the four teams to reach the WTC final across the last two cycles had a PCT of more than 65, with India's 58.8 in the 2023 cycle the lone exception. Both finalists in 2025 finished above 67.
The calculations also ******* ume India do not lose any points through over-rate penalties.
For now, India remain well placed in the Test after Manav Suthar and Saransh Jain struck regularly in the final session. But with Sri Lanka still fighting and rain already interrupting play, a result remains crucial not just for the series but for India's increasingly tight road to the WTC final.
#test #final
1 month ago
NEW DELHI (AP) — Rescuers searching for 22 missing sailors have found no trace of their Panama-flagged cargo ship after the vessel sank in the Bay of Bengal last week, the Indian Coast Guard said Tuesday.
Search aircraft and ships on Tuesday were scouring the area where the cargo ship MV Ocean Winner reportedly sunk Saturday about 276 miles (444 kilometers) from the Paradip coast of India's eastern Odisha state.
The joint search by the Indian Coast Guard and Indian Navy has been complicated by the area's exceptionally deep waters and found only an oil slick and two life rafts near the vessel's last known position, officials said.
The lack of wreckage has hampered efforts to determine the cause of the sinking and where to focus search operations, authorities said.
The vessel transporting iron ore to China was carrying 24 crew members, including 20 Chinese nationals, three Myanmar nationals and one Bangladeshi, according to the coast guard.
#tuesday
Search aircraft and ships on Tuesday were scouring the area where the cargo ship MV Ocean Winner reportedly sunk Saturday about 276 miles (444 kilometers) from the Paradip coast of India's eastern Odisha state.
The joint search by the Indian Coast Guard and Indian Navy has been complicated by the area's exceptionally deep waters and found only an oil slick and two life rafts near the vessel's last known position, officials said.
The lack of wreckage has hampered efforts to determine the cause of the sinking and where to focus search operations, authorities said.
The vessel transporting iron ore to China was carrying 24 crew members, including 20 Chinese nationals, three Myanmar nationals and one Bangladeshi, according to the coast guard.
#tuesday
1 month ago
Sunil Gavaskar slams 'brazen' hypocrisy over Mackay pitch, claims it was no surprise after Australia were 'humiliated' by Bangladesh originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
India legend Sunil Gavaskar has accused cricket of brazen hypocrisy over pitch ***** sments.
He said the Mackay surface was a deliberate response to Australia's humiliating defeat to Bangladesh in Darwin.
The second Test lasted just 750 ***** , the fourth-shortest completed Test in history.
Australia levelled their series against Bangladesh inside two days at Mackay, and Sunil Gavaskar has used the occasion to reopen an argument he has been making for the better part of two decades. The India batting great believes the silence surrounding the surface tells you everything about how pitches are judged depending on where they are laid.
#australia #hypocrisy
India legend Sunil Gavaskar has accused cricket of brazen hypocrisy over pitch ***** sments.
He said the Mackay surface was a deliberate response to Australia's humiliating defeat to Bangladesh in Darwin.
The second Test lasted just 750 ***** , the fourth-shortest completed Test in history.
Australia levelled their series against Bangladesh inside two days at Mackay, and Sunil Gavaskar has used the occasion to reopen an argument he has been making for the better part of two decades. The India batting great believes the silence surrounding the surface tells you everything about how pitches are judged depending on where they are laid.
#australia #hypocrisy
1 month ago
During England's first Test against Pakistan, we asked BBC Sport readers to send statistical questions for our colleagues at CricViz.
Our new feature, Ask CricViz, is here to help and we can reveal the first selection of answers below.
Please note that all stats in Tests are inclusive of the recent Australia v Bangladesh Test in Mackay, but do not include stats from the ongoing Sri Lanka v India Test in Colombo.
Graham, Hastings: Against Pakistan, Josh Tongue took two wickets in two **** but missed out on his hat-trick. What is the 'conversion rate' from having two in two, to going on and getting the hat-trick?
CricViz: In Tests where such data is available in our database, there have been 1,355 occasions where a bowler has taken wickets in two consecutive **** , with only 43 (3.2%) of them converted to a hat-trick.
#wickets #sport
Our new feature, Ask CricViz, is here to help and we can reveal the first selection of answers below.
Please note that all stats in Tests are inclusive of the recent Australia v Bangladesh Test in Mackay, but do not include stats from the ongoing Sri Lanka v India Test in Colombo.
Graham, Hastings: Against Pakistan, Josh Tongue took two wickets in two **** but missed out on his hat-trick. What is the 'conversion rate' from having two in two, to going on and getting the hat-trick?
CricViz: In Tests where such data is available in our database, there have been 1,355 occasions where a bowler has taken wickets in two consecutive **** , with only 43 (3.2%) of them converted to a hat-trick.
#wickets #sport
1 month ago
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is moving toward levying a new tariff on China that would penalize the world's second-largest economy for flooding the global market with underpriced goods, according to three people familiar with the matter.
Two of the people, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations still being finalized, said Trump is considering setting the new tariff at 7.5%. It's a level administration officials believe would not endanger the one-year trade truce between Washington and Beijing or a planned White House meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping expected to take place in late September.
The move, if finalized, appears to be a calibrated effort by the White House to work around a Supreme Court decision earlier this year that struck down Trump's plan to implement a sweeping, high-tariff scheme not seen since the 1930s.
After that decision, the Trump administration announced in March it was launching formal investigations targeting excess industrial capacity and forced-labor regulations in China and other nations.
It isn't clear if the U.S. administration is also nearing its decision in its probes of the other economies that it announced it was investigating for unfair trade practices, including the European Union, Singapore, Switzerland, Norway, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, South Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Bangladesh, Mexico, ******* an and India.
#president #China #House #people
Two of the people, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations still being finalized, said Trump is considering setting the new tariff at 7.5%. It's a level administration officials believe would not endanger the one-year trade truce between Washington and Beijing or a planned White House meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping expected to take place in late September.
The move, if finalized, appears to be a calibrated effort by the White House to work around a Supreme Court decision earlier this year that struck down Trump's plan to implement a sweeping, high-tariff scheme not seen since the 1930s.
After that decision, the Trump administration announced in March it was launching formal investigations targeting excess industrial capacity and forced-labor regulations in China and other nations.
It isn't clear if the U.S. administration is also nearing its decision in its probes of the other economies that it announced it was investigating for unfair trade practices, including the European Union, Singapore, Switzerland, Norway, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, South Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Bangladesh, Mexico, ******* an and India.
#president #China #House #people
1 month ago
Shoriful Islam became the first left-arm fast bowler in 140 years to take a seven-wicket haul in a Test innings against Australia, producing Bangladesh's standout performance in the second Test in Mackay.
The 25-year-old pacer from Panchagarh returned figures of 7/48 from 15 overs as Bangladesh bowled Australia out for 210 in their first innings at the Great Barrier Reef Arena. Shoriful also top-scored for Bangladesh with 14 runs in their first innings.
Despite his performance, Bangladesh suffered a crushing defeat, with the second Test ending inside two days.
Shoriful's seven-wicket haul put him in a select group of left-arm fast bowlers to have achieved the feat against Australia.
The last left-arm pacer to take seven wickets in a Test innings against Australia was England's **** Barlow, who finished with 7/44 in the second innings of the Manchester Test played from July 5 to 7, 1886.
Barlow had also taken seven wickets against Australia in the Sydney Test in January 1883.
The first left-arm pacer to take seven or more wickets in a Test innings against Australia was England's Tom Emmett. He took 7/68 from 59 overs in the first innings of the Melbourne Test played from January 2 to 4, 1879.
Shoriful is now only the fourth left-arm fast bowler to take a seven-wicket haul in a Test innings against Australia.
The best bowling figures by a left-arm bowler against Australia, however, belong to former England spinner Hedley Verity. He took 8/43 in the second innings of the Lord's Test in 1934, played from June 22 to 25.
The overall best bowling figures against Australia in Test cricket remain with England's Jim Laker, who took all 10 Australian wickets for 53 runs in the second innings of the Manchester Test in July 1956.
#test #australia
The 25-year-old pacer from Panchagarh returned figures of 7/48 from 15 overs as Bangladesh bowled Australia out for 210 in their first innings at the Great Barrier Reef Arena. Shoriful also top-scored for Bangladesh with 14 runs in their first innings.
Despite his performance, Bangladesh suffered a crushing defeat, with the second Test ending inside two days.
Shoriful's seven-wicket haul put him in a select group of left-arm fast bowlers to have achieved the feat against Australia.
The last left-arm pacer to take seven wickets in a Test innings against Australia was England's **** Barlow, who finished with 7/44 in the second innings of the Manchester Test played from July 5 to 7, 1886.
Barlow had also taken seven wickets against Australia in the Sydney Test in January 1883.
The first left-arm pacer to take seven or more wickets in a Test innings against Australia was England's Tom Emmett. He took 7/68 from 59 overs in the first innings of the Melbourne Test played from January 2 to 4, 1879.
Shoriful is now only the fourth left-arm fast bowler to take a seven-wicket haul in a Test innings against Australia.
The best bowling figures by a left-arm bowler against Australia, however, belong to former England spinner Hedley Verity. He took 8/43 in the second innings of the Lord's Test in 1934, played from June 22 to 25.
The overall best bowling figures against Australia in Test cricket remain with England's Jim Laker, who took all 10 Australian wickets for 53 runs in the second innings of the Manchester Test in July 1956.
#test #australia
1 month ago
With the FIFA World Cup, AFC Asian Cup, Winter Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games, 2026 is another massive year for sport—with Australian teams and athletes well represented as always.
The Sporting News provides a summary of all the key dates and match-ups to mark in your 2026 diary.
Bookmark this page so you don't miss a moment of the action.
England. Fifth Ashes Test. SCG. 4-8 January.
Bangladesh. 2 Tests (home series). Winter.
#World #commonwealth #australian
The Sporting News provides a summary of all the key dates and match-ups to mark in your 2026 diary.
Bookmark this page so you don't miss a moment of the action.
England. Fifth Ashes Test. SCG. 4-8 January.
Bangladesh. 2 Tests (home series). Winter.
#World #commonwealth #australian
1 month ago
Australia hit back strongly after their shock defeat in the first Test against Bangladesh, winning the second match by an innings and 51 runs in Mackay on Sunday. Mitchell Starc starred with 10 wickets as Australia completed the Test inside two days.
Australia's win created a rare piece of Test cricket history. The Mackay Test was only the 28th Test to finish in two days from the 2632 Tests played so far.
In simple terms, only around 1.1% of all Tests have ended within two days.
The numbers show how rare such short Tests have been. From 1877 to 1946, 15 of the 275 Tests played during the period finished in two days.
There was not a single two-day Test between 1947 and 1999, even though 1,233 Tests were played during those 53 years.
Since 2000, 13 of the 1,124 Tests have been completed in two days.
The Australia-Bangladesh Test is the 28th two-day Test in history. The previous one was Australia's Test against England in Perth in November 2025, which also ended inside two days.
India have been involved in three two-day Tests in recent years.
India beat Afghanistan in Bengaluru in 2018 and England in Ahmedabad in 2021, with both matches finishing inside two days. India's Test against South Africa in Cape Town in January 2024 also ended in two days, with India winning the match.
No.
Teams
#played
Australia's win created a rare piece of Test cricket history. The Mackay Test was only the 28th Test to finish in two days from the 2632 Tests played so far.
In simple terms, only around 1.1% of all Tests have ended within two days.
The numbers show how rare such short Tests have been. From 1877 to 1946, 15 of the 275 Tests played during the period finished in two days.
There was not a single two-day Test between 1947 and 1999, even though 1,233 Tests were played during those 53 years.
Since 2000, 13 of the 1,124 Tests have been completed in two days.
The Australia-Bangladesh Test is the 28th two-day Test in history. The previous one was Australia's Test against England in Perth in November 2025, which also ended inside two days.
India have been involved in three two-day Tests in recent years.
India beat Afghanistan in Bengaluru in 2018 and England in Ahmedabad in 2021, with both matches finishing inside two days. India's Test against South Africa in Cape Town in January 2024 also ended in two days, with India winning the match.
No.
Teams
#played
1 month ago
NEW DELHI: Bangladesh's defeat to Australia in the second Test in Mackay has given India a small but significant boost in the race for a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
Bangladesh had stunned Australia in the opening Test in Darwin to secure their first-ever Test win Down Under, but Mitchell Starc's 10-wicket match haul inspired the hosts to an innings-and-51-run victory in the second Test on Sunday. The result not only allowed Australia to level the series 1-1 but also cost Bangladesh valuable points in the WTC standings.
India, currently fifth in the nine-team table, can now move above Bangladesh and reclaim fourth place by beating Sri Lanka in the second Test in Colombo.
Bangladesh remain fourth despite the defeat, but their points percentage (PCT) has dropped sharply from 66.67 after their Darwin victory to 55.56. They now have 50 points from six matches, with three wins, two defeats and one draw.
India are just behind them with 64 points and a PCT of 53.33 from 10 matches. Shubman Gill's side have five wins, four defeats and one draw.
The equation is straightforward for India: a victory over Sri Lanka in Colombo will take them past Bangladesh and into fourth place.
Australia strengthened their position at the top with 96 points and an 80 PCT from 10 matches, while South Africa are second with a 75 PCT and New Zealand third with 72.22.
Sri Lanka, India's current opponents, are sixth with a PCT of 33.33. England, West Indies and Pakistan occupy the next three positions.
India's bigger challenge, however, is that they need to continue winning consistently to stay in contention for the top two positions that ultimately determine the finalists.
Bangladesh's Test campaign has still produced a landmark achievement. Despite losing the second Test, they climbed three places to No.6 in the latest ICC Test rankings — their highest-ever position.
"Of course (reaching No. 6) is good news," Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto said after the Mackay defeat. "I am just hearing about it. To reach No 6 in the Test ranking is a huge achievement. It would have been better if we could have played better cricket in this Test match."
Shanto also called for Bangladesh to play more frequently in Australia after their first Test series there in 23 years.
"We are here after 23 years (first Test series in Australia since 2003). It's not easy to compete in this condition against this quality of team. If we are able to come here consistently, then the players can get an idea of playing here. They will have more experience playing in Australia. They can adjust to this kind of condition and play good cricket," he said.
"It's hard for the players. Probably 90% of the players haven't played here. They don't know how to adjust, how to cope with this kind of condition, and this kind of bowling attack. My request is that we want to play here. We want to play similar kind of conditions consistently, not after 23 or 25 year
Bangladesh had stunned Australia in the opening Test in Darwin to secure their first-ever Test win Down Under, but Mitchell Starc's 10-wicket match haul inspired the hosts to an innings-and-51-run victory in the second Test on Sunday. The result not only allowed Australia to level the series 1-1 but also cost Bangladesh valuable points in the WTC standings.
India, currently fifth in the nine-team table, can now move above Bangladesh and reclaim fourth place by beating Sri Lanka in the second Test in Colombo.
Bangladesh remain fourth despite the defeat, but their points percentage (PCT) has dropped sharply from 66.67 after their Darwin victory to 55.56. They now have 50 points from six matches, with three wins, two defeats and one draw.
India are just behind them with 64 points and a PCT of 53.33 from 10 matches. Shubman Gill's side have five wins, four defeats and one draw.
The equation is straightforward for India: a victory over Sri Lanka in Colombo will take them past Bangladesh and into fourth place.
Australia strengthened their position at the top with 96 points and an 80 PCT from 10 matches, while South Africa are second with a 75 PCT and New Zealand third with 72.22.
Sri Lanka, India's current opponents, are sixth with a PCT of 33.33. England, West Indies and Pakistan occupy the next three positions.
India's bigger challenge, however, is that they need to continue winning consistently to stay in contention for the top two positions that ultimately determine the finalists.
Bangladesh's Test campaign has still produced a landmark achievement. Despite losing the second Test, they climbed three places to No.6 in the latest ICC Test rankings — their highest-ever position.
"Of course (reaching No. 6) is good news," Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto said after the Mackay defeat. "I am just hearing about it. To reach No 6 in the Test ranking is a huge achievement. It would have been better if we could have played better cricket in this Test match."
Shanto also called for Bangladesh to play more frequently in Australia after their first Test series there in 23 years.
"We are here after 23 years (first Test series in Australia since 2003). It's not easy to compete in this condition against this quality of team. If we are able to come here consistently, then the players can get an idea of playing here. They will have more experience playing in Australia. They can adjust to this kind of condition and play good cricket," he said.
"It's hard for the players. Probably 90% of the players haven't played here. They don't know how to adjust, how to cope with this kind of condition, and this kind of bowling attack. My request is that we want to play here. We want to play similar kind of conditions consistently, not after 23 or 25 year
1 month ago
Former Australia opener Justin Langer has slammed the increasing frequency of Test matches ending inside two days, calling the trend "unacceptable" after Australia wrapped up an innings-and-51-run victory over Bangladesh in Mackay on Sunday.
Australia needed only 750 ***** to complete the second Test, bouncing back from their shock nine-wicket defeat in Darwin to level the two-match series 1-1. The result also marked the third Test involving Australia in their last seven to finish inside two days, raising fresh concerns over the health of the longest format.
"Two-day Test matches (are) unacceptable. It's no good for the game for so many reasons. Last year was disappointing for the crowds, for the kids who get to watch their heroes on TV or listen on the radio or get to the ground," Langer said on SEN Radio.
Langer, who played 105 Tests for Australia, also highlighted the financial consequences of matches ending prematurely.
"Economically it's a disaster for Cricket Australia who put money into grassroots cricket. And you know we're talking about very well-paid professionals now, and you get tired of hearing 'Oh it's just the pitches, oh it's the curators, it's the ball moves a bit'," he said.
Bangladesh were bowled out for 64 in their first innings and 95 in their second, while Mitchell Starc claimed 10 wickets in the match. Langer, however, believes the problem goes beyond pitch conditions and points towards shortcomings in batting fundamentals.
"I think a lot of it is down to basic batting technique. Take this test match alone. Almost every dismissal has been batters; their front foot has not gone past the front line. It's just basic technique, and it's footwork patterns.
"I coach young guys now, and I've just come back from England; there are a couple of batters who are in our Hundred team who are also wanting to become Test players. And you have some hits with them, and you say some things to them which are so basic for us in the game, and their eyes light up like you're teaching them magic for the first time," he added.
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto admitted his side did not produce their best performance but said the series would provide valuable lessons.
"Yeah, obviously I think we all know how good they are and, as I said in the press conference, they have been experienced for almost 50, more than 50 years. So yeah, they played, they showed their character, and as the Bangladesh Test team, we didn't play our best match," Shanto said.
He acknowledged the challenging conditions in Mackay, where extra bounce and movement made batting difficult.
"Yeah, obviously I think this is a different condition, and there is a little bit more extra bounce and swing in the air. So it's challenging for us. But as a team, if we want to go forward, we need to adjust to this condition, and I hope this experience will help going forward," he said.
Shoriful Islam's 7/48 was a major positive for Bangladesh, while Sha
Australia needed only 750 ***** to complete the second Test, bouncing back from their shock nine-wicket defeat in Darwin to level the two-match series 1-1. The result also marked the third Test involving Australia in their last seven to finish inside two days, raising fresh concerns over the health of the longest format.
"Two-day Test matches (are) unacceptable. It's no good for the game for so many reasons. Last year was disappointing for the crowds, for the kids who get to watch their heroes on TV or listen on the radio or get to the ground," Langer said on SEN Radio.
Langer, who played 105 Tests for Australia, also highlighted the financial consequences of matches ending prematurely.
"Economically it's a disaster for Cricket Australia who put money into grassroots cricket. And you know we're talking about very well-paid professionals now, and you get tired of hearing 'Oh it's just the pitches, oh it's the curators, it's the ball moves a bit'," he said.
Bangladesh were bowled out for 64 in their first innings and 95 in their second, while Mitchell Starc claimed 10 wickets in the match. Langer, however, believes the problem goes beyond pitch conditions and points towards shortcomings in batting fundamentals.
"I think a lot of it is down to basic batting technique. Take this test match alone. Almost every dismissal has been batters; their front foot has not gone past the front line. It's just basic technique, and it's footwork patterns.
"I coach young guys now, and I've just come back from England; there are a couple of batters who are in our Hundred team who are also wanting to become Test players. And you have some hits with them, and you say some things to them which are so basic for us in the game, and their eyes light up like you're teaching them magic for the first time," he added.
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto admitted his side did not produce their best performance but said the series would provide valuable lessons.
"Yeah, obviously I think we all know how good they are and, as I said in the press conference, they have been experienced for almost 50, more than 50 years. So yeah, they played, they showed their character, and as the Bangladesh Test team, we didn't play our best match," Shanto said.
He acknowledged the challenging conditions in Mackay, where extra bounce and movement made batting difficult.
"Yeah, obviously I think this is a different condition, and there is a little bit more extra bounce and swing in the air. So it's challenging for us. But as a team, if we want to go forward, we need to adjust to this condition, and I hope this experience will help going forward," he said.
Shoriful Islam's 7/48 was a major positive for Bangladesh, while Sha
1 month ago
Mitchell Starc produced another devastating spell in Mackay to finish with a 10-wicket match haul as Australia crushed Bangladesh by an innings and 51 runs in the second Test, levelling the two-match series 1-1 inside two days.
Starc returned figures of 10-51, adding four wickets on Sunday to his remarkable 6-12 on the opening day. Bangladesh were bowled out for just 64 in their first innings before Australia also found batting difficult on a spicy pitch at Mackay in northern Queensland.
The victory provided a significant boost for Australia after their surprise defeat in the opening Test in Darwin.
Starc's performance also moved him to 10th on the all-time Test wicket-takers' list. The left-arm quick now has 445 wickets, overtaking South African great Dale Steyn.
It was Starc's fourth 10-wicket haul in Test cricket. Pat **** mins and Nathan Lyon also played key roles with three wickets each as Bangladesh were dismissed for 95 in their second innings.
Najmul Hossain Shanto top-scored with 31, while Mushfiqur Rahim remained unbeaten on 29. The Bangladesh captain and experienced wicketkeeper-batter received little support from the rest of the line-up, with only two other batters reaching double figures.
Australia had resumed their first innings at 165-8 and added 45 runs to their overnight total. Cameron Green and Nathan Lyon initially put on 28 for the ninth wicket before Shoriful Islam ended Green's resistance.
Shoriful produced a searing inswinging yorker that struck Green on the front pad, with the decision confirmed on review. Green departed for 67 from 105 **** , having struck 10 boundaries. It followed his breakthrough home century in the first Test at Darwin.
Shoriful finished with 7-48, the best bowling figures by a Bangladesh player in a Test away from home.
Lyon, unbeaten on 32, and Josh Hazlewood took Australia beyond 200 before Hazlewood fell for six to Taijul Islam. Australia were eventually dismissed for 210, giving them a crucial 146-run first-innings lead.
Bangladesh's second innings quickly became another Starc show.
After getting through his first over, Bangladesh lost Shadman Islam for one in Starc's next over, with Marnus Labuschagne taking the edge. Mominul Haque then shouldered arms to the following delivery, which crashed into his off stump.
Starc returned after lunch to dismiss Litton Das for another duck. The wicketkeeper-batter faced 27 **** across three innings in the series without scoring.
The Australia quick completed his 10-wicket haul shortly before tea, bowling Taijul Islam for seven with a delivery that breached the gap between bat and pad.
Starc finished with 4-39 in the second innings and narrowly missed his best Test match figures of 11-94, recorded against Sri Lanka at Galle in 2016.
Lyon completed the formalities after tea, taking the final two wickets in the first over of the session to wrap up Bangladesh's innings for 95.
The two-Test Top End series marks t
Starc returned figures of 10-51, adding four wickets on Sunday to his remarkable 6-12 on the opening day. Bangladesh were bowled out for just 64 in their first innings before Australia also found batting difficult on a spicy pitch at Mackay in northern Queensland.
The victory provided a significant boost for Australia after their surprise defeat in the opening Test in Darwin.
Starc's performance also moved him to 10th on the all-time Test wicket-takers' list. The left-arm quick now has 445 wickets, overtaking South African great Dale Steyn.
It was Starc's fourth 10-wicket haul in Test cricket. Pat **** mins and Nathan Lyon also played key roles with three wickets each as Bangladesh were dismissed for 95 in their second innings.
Najmul Hossain Shanto top-scored with 31, while Mushfiqur Rahim remained unbeaten on 29. The Bangladesh captain and experienced wicketkeeper-batter received little support from the rest of the line-up, with only two other batters reaching double figures.
Australia had resumed their first innings at 165-8 and added 45 runs to their overnight total. Cameron Green and Nathan Lyon initially put on 28 for the ninth wicket before Shoriful Islam ended Green's resistance.
Shoriful produced a searing inswinging yorker that struck Green on the front pad, with the decision confirmed on review. Green departed for 67 from 105 **** , having struck 10 boundaries. It followed his breakthrough home century in the first Test at Darwin.
Shoriful finished with 7-48, the best bowling figures by a Bangladesh player in a Test away from home.
Lyon, unbeaten on 32, and Josh Hazlewood took Australia beyond 200 before Hazlewood fell for six to Taijul Islam. Australia were eventually dismissed for 210, giving them a crucial 146-run first-innings lead.
Bangladesh's second innings quickly became another Starc show.
After getting through his first over, Bangladesh lost Shadman Islam for one in Starc's next over, with Marnus Labuschagne taking the edge. Mominul Haque then shouldered arms to the following delivery, which crashed into his off stump.
Starc returned after lunch to dismiss Litton Das for another duck. The wicketkeeper-batter faced 27 **** across three innings in the series without scoring.
The Australia quick completed his 10-wicket haul shortly before tea, bowling Taijul Islam for seven with a delivery that breached the gap between bat and pad.
Starc finished with 4-39 in the second innings and narrowly missed his best Test match figures of 11-94, recorded against Sri Lanka at Galle in 2016.
Lyon completed the formalities after tea, taking the final two wickets in the first over of the session to wrap up Bangladesh's innings for 95.
The two-Test Top End series marks t
1 month ago
Bangladesh pacer Shoriful Islam etched his name in the record books on the second day of the second Test against Australia in Mackay, becoming the first bowler from his country to claim a seven-wicket haul against Australia. He also became the first Bangladesh bowler to take seven wickets in a Test innings, with his sensational figures of 7/48 now the best-ever by a Bangladesh pacer in Tests.
Shoriful produced a sensational spell of 7/48 in 15 overs to overshadow Mitchell Starc's six-wicket haul and keep Bangladesh alive in a Test that appeared to be slipping away after they were bowled out for just 64.
The left-arm pacer also registered the best figures by a Bangladesh bowler away from home in Tests, surpassing Taijul Islam's 7/138 against Zimbabwe in Harare earlier this year.
Australia began their innings at 41/3 but recovered through a 77-run partnership between Steve Smith and Cameron Green. Smith made 42 off 74 ***** , including six fours, while Green continued the repair work with a fluent 67 off 105 ***** , hitting 10 boundaries.
Shoriful, however, kept Bangladesh in the contest with his pace, movement and bounce. He eventually reduced Australia to 148/8 before the hosts' lower order mounted another resistance.
Green and Nathan Lyon added 38 runs before Shoriful ended Green's resistance with a pinpoint yorker to complete his magnificent seven-wicket haul. Lyon then remained unbeaten on 32 off 62 ***** , including four boundaries and a six, and helped Australia reach 210.
Lyon and Josh Hazlewood added another 24 runs for the final wicket, frustrating Bangladesh before Taijul Islam dismissed Hazlewood to end the innings.
Australia's total gave them a commanding 146-run first-innings lead.
Shoriful's achievement came only one Test after Hasan Mahmud had set a new Bangladesh record against Australia with 6/55 in Darwin. Hasan's nine wickets in that match helped Bangladesh secure their first-ever Test victory in Australia.
Earlier, Australia had won the toss and opted to field, with Starc responding to Bangladesh's first-Test victory in emphatic fashion.
The left-arm quick tore through the Bangladesh batting lineup with astonishing figures of 6/12, while Pat ***** mins claimed three wickets as the visitors were dismissed for just 64. Shoriful was Bangladesh's top scorer with 14.
Bangladesh began their second innings under pressure and reached 39/3 by the end of the first session. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto was unbeaten on 23, with Mushfiqur Rahim on four.
Starc had already taken two wickets, while ***** mins added one as Bangladesh trailed by 107 runs.
Despite Shoriful's historic spell, Australia remain firmly in control and Bangladesh face a daunting task to avoid conceding the series-levelling Test.
#bangladesh #australia #green
Shoriful produced a sensational spell of 7/48 in 15 overs to overshadow Mitchell Starc's six-wicket haul and keep Bangladesh alive in a Test that appeared to be slipping away after they were bowled out for just 64.
The left-arm pacer also registered the best figures by a Bangladesh bowler away from home in Tests, surpassing Taijul Islam's 7/138 against Zimbabwe in Harare earlier this year.
Australia began their innings at 41/3 but recovered through a 77-run partnership between Steve Smith and Cameron Green. Smith made 42 off 74 ***** , including six fours, while Green continued the repair work with a fluent 67 off 105 ***** , hitting 10 boundaries.
Shoriful, however, kept Bangladesh in the contest with his pace, movement and bounce. He eventually reduced Australia to 148/8 before the hosts' lower order mounted another resistance.
Green and Nathan Lyon added 38 runs before Shoriful ended Green's resistance with a pinpoint yorker to complete his magnificent seven-wicket haul. Lyon then remained unbeaten on 32 off 62 ***** , including four boundaries and a six, and helped Australia reach 210.
Lyon and Josh Hazlewood added another 24 runs for the final wicket, frustrating Bangladesh before Taijul Islam dismissed Hazlewood to end the innings.
Australia's total gave them a commanding 146-run first-innings lead.
Shoriful's achievement came only one Test after Hasan Mahmud had set a new Bangladesh record against Australia with 6/55 in Darwin. Hasan's nine wickets in that match helped Bangladesh secure their first-ever Test victory in Australia.
Earlier, Australia had won the toss and opted to field, with Starc responding to Bangladesh's first-Test victory in emphatic fashion.
The left-arm quick tore through the Bangladesh batting lineup with astonishing figures of 6/12, while Pat ***** mins claimed three wickets as the visitors were dismissed for just 64. Shoriful was Bangladesh's top scorer with 14.
Bangladesh began their second innings under pressure and reached 39/3 by the end of the first session. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto was unbeaten on 23, with Mushfiqur Rahim on four.
Starc had already taken two wickets, while ***** mins added one as Bangladesh trailed by 107 runs.
Despite Shoriful's historic spell, Australia remain firmly in control and Bangladesh face a daunting task to avoid conceding the series-levelling Test.
#bangladesh #australia #green
1 month ago
Why Australia should drop Marnus Labuschagne from Tests originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Marnus Labuschagne fell for 4 in Mackay against Bangladesh in the second Test.
Ricky Ponting said Australia should have dropped Labuschagne earlier, citing technical flaws exposed by his poor form.
Labuschagne hasn't scored a Test century since July 2023 and averages just 25.43 across his last two seasons.
Marnus Labuschagne's Test career is under the scanner after yet another failure with the bat, this time falling for just 4 in the second Test against Bangladesh in Mackay.
#labuschagne
Marnus Labuschagne fell for 4 in Mackay against Bangladesh in the second Test.
Ricky Ponting said Australia should have dropped Labuschagne earlier, citing technical flaws exposed by his poor form.
Labuschagne hasn't scored a Test century since July 2023 and averages just 25.43 across his last two seasons.
Marnus Labuschagne's Test career is under the scanner after yet another failure with the bat, this time falling for just 4 in the second Test against Bangladesh in Mackay.
#labuschagne
1 month ago
MACKAY, Australia (AP) — Fresh from taking six wickets in the first innings, Australia's Mitchell Starc's again tormented Bangladesh's top order as the tourists were reduced to 39-3 at lunch in its second innings on Day 2 of a fast-moving second cricket test.
The evergreen left-arm bowler claimed an incredible 6-12 on Day 1 and backed up again Sunday morning with another two wickets in consecutive ****** to help Australia take a solid grip of the match in Mackay, in northern Queensland state.
At the break, Bangladesh trails Australia by 107 runs with captain Najmul Hossain Shanto unbeaten on 23 and Mushfiqur Rahim on four.
After surviving Starc's first over of the innings, Bangladesh were not as fortunate in the Aussie's next over as Shadman Islam (1) edged a catch to Marnus Labuschagne, before Mominul Haque (0) shouldered arms and has his off stump rattled with Starc's next delivery.
Pat ****** mins also grabbed a wicket, having Tanzid Hasan (9) caught on the boundary.
#first #next #fresh
The evergreen left-arm bowler claimed an incredible 6-12 on Day 1 and backed up again Sunday morning with another two wickets in consecutive ****** to help Australia take a solid grip of the match in Mackay, in northern Queensland state.
At the break, Bangladesh trails Australia by 107 runs with captain Najmul Hossain Shanto unbeaten on 23 and Mushfiqur Rahim on four.
After surviving Starc's first over of the innings, Bangladesh were not as fortunate in the Aussie's next over as Shadman Islam (1) edged a catch to Marnus Labuschagne, before Mominul Haque (0) shouldered arms and has his off stump rattled with Starc's next delivery.
Pat ****** mins also grabbed a wicket, having Tanzid Hasan (9) caught on the boundary.
#first #next #fresh
1 month ago
Mitchell Starc made a stunning start to the second Test against Bangladesh, taking a wicket with the first ball of the match before finishing the opening day with six wickets. Bangladesh's Shoriful Islam later matched Starc's six-wicket haul as 18 wickets fell on a dramatic day of Test cricket on Saturday.
Shoriful, who returned to the Bangladesh side after recovering from a side strain that kept him out of the first Test, finished with 6-35.
Australia were 165-8 at stumps and had taken a 101-run lead. Cameron Green was unbeaten on 51, while Nathan Lyon was not out on 10.
Australia won the toss and decided to bowl first. Captain Pat ****** mins felt the pitch could offer some help to the bowlers early in the morning.
"The wicket looks pretty good, but if there is any moisture in it, it might be this morning," ****** mins had said during the toss.
Starc quickly proved his captain right.
Shadman Islam was caught at gully off a leading edge from the very first ball, giving Starc his record fourth career wicket with the first delivery of a match.
Starc then removed Tanzid Hasan before having Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto caught lbw in the third over.
Bangladesh, which had surprisingly won the first Test of the two-match series, was suddenly in deep trouble.
Starc took his fourth wicket when Cameron Green made a grass-top catch to dismiss Mominul Haque for 9. Mominul was the only Bangladesh batter among the first four to score a run. Starc then trapped Litton Das lbw for his fifth wicket before taking his sixth after lunch. He finished with figures of 6-12 from 10 overs, while ****** mins took three wickets.
Bangladesh were dismissed for just 64 shortly after lunch. It was their lowest total while batting first in Australia since South Africa were bowled out for 36 in 1932.
No. 11 batter Shoriful Islam was Bangladesh's highest scorer with 14.
The pitch continued to be difficult for batting even after the morning session. Australia's batters also found it hard to score freely.
Starc was delighted with his incredible first session and spoke to his wife, television commentator and former Australia captain Alyssa Healy while walking off the field at lunch.
"Six (wickets) in the first session, can't beat that," Starc told his wife, television commentator and former Australia captain Alyssa Healy while walking off the field at lunch. "Obviously a little bit of anger."
After Bangladesh were bowled out, Australia looked to take control of the Test.
But Shoriful Islam had other plans.
The left-arm Bangladesh fast bowler made an impressive return after missing the first Test because of a side strain. He took six wickets for 35 runs and helped Bangladesh fight back.
Australia lost eight wickets before the end of the day and finished on 165-8. Green stood firm and remained unbeaten on 51, while Lyon was not out on 10. Australia therefore ended the day with a 101-run lead.
#bangladesh #wicket #wicke
Shoriful, who returned to the Bangladesh side after recovering from a side strain that kept him out of the first Test, finished with 6-35.
Australia were 165-8 at stumps and had taken a 101-run lead. Cameron Green was unbeaten on 51, while Nathan Lyon was not out on 10.
Australia won the toss and decided to bowl first. Captain Pat ****** mins felt the pitch could offer some help to the bowlers early in the morning.
"The wicket looks pretty good, but if there is any moisture in it, it might be this morning," ****** mins had said during the toss.
Starc quickly proved his captain right.
Shadman Islam was caught at gully off a leading edge from the very first ball, giving Starc his record fourth career wicket with the first delivery of a match.
Starc then removed Tanzid Hasan before having Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto caught lbw in the third over.
Bangladesh, which had surprisingly won the first Test of the two-match series, was suddenly in deep trouble.
Starc took his fourth wicket when Cameron Green made a grass-top catch to dismiss Mominul Haque for 9. Mominul was the only Bangladesh batter among the first four to score a run. Starc then trapped Litton Das lbw for his fifth wicket before taking his sixth after lunch. He finished with figures of 6-12 from 10 overs, while ****** mins took three wickets.
Bangladesh were dismissed for just 64 shortly after lunch. It was their lowest total while batting first in Australia since South Africa were bowled out for 36 in 1932.
No. 11 batter Shoriful Islam was Bangladesh's highest scorer with 14.
The pitch continued to be difficult for batting even after the morning session. Australia's batters also found it hard to score freely.
Starc was delighted with his incredible first session and spoke to his wife, television commentator and former Australia captain Alyssa Healy while walking off the field at lunch.
"Six (wickets) in the first session, can't beat that," Starc told his wife, television commentator and former Australia captain Alyssa Healy while walking off the field at lunch. "Obviously a little bit of anger."
After Bangladesh were bowled out, Australia looked to take control of the Test.
But Shoriful Islam had other plans.
The left-arm Bangladesh fast bowler made an impressive return after missing the first Test because of a side strain. He took six wickets for 35 runs and helped Bangladesh fight back.
Australia lost eight wickets before the end of the day and finished on 165-8. Green stood firm and remained unbeaten on 51, while Lyon was not out on 10. Australia therefore ended the day with a 101-run lead.
#bangladesh #wicket #wicke
1 month ago
Australia responded to their nine-wicket defeat in the first Test at Darwin by bowling Bangladesh out for 64 on the opening day of the second and final Test in Mackay on Saturday.
After winning the toss, Australia captain Pat **** mins chose to field and Mitchell Starc made an impact with the first ball. He dismissed Shadman Islam for a duck, registering his ninth first-over wicket in Test cricket and moving past England's James Anderson, who had eight such dismissals.
Starc then continued his spell, taking five wickets inside the first seven overs as Bangladesh slumped to 12/5. It was the sixth-fastest five-wicket haul in Test cricket.
. Starc took five wickets in the first 45 minutes as the visitors slipped to 12/5 before reaching lunch at 35/6.
Cummins added three wickets for 25 runs as Bangladesh slipped further to 39/9. The visitors, however, managed to avoid their lowest-ever Test total. Their lowest score remains 43 against West Indies in 2018.
Bangladesh were eventually bowled out for 64, with Starc finishing with 6/12 from 10 overs.
The spell also took Starc past South African great Dale Steyn's 439 Test wickets. With 441 wickets, Starc is now the 10th-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket. He has taken 19 five-wicket hauls and three 10-wicket match hauls, with best figures of 7/58.
For Bangladesh, the collapse came after Australia had been beaten by nine wickets in Darwin in the opening Test. The second Test therefore began with Australia in control and Bangladesh under pressure with the bat.
#test #bangladesh #wicket
After winning the toss, Australia captain Pat **** mins chose to field and Mitchell Starc made an impact with the first ball. He dismissed Shadman Islam for a duck, registering his ninth first-over wicket in Test cricket and moving past England's James Anderson, who had eight such dismissals.
Starc then continued his spell, taking five wickets inside the first seven overs as Bangladesh slumped to 12/5. It was the sixth-fastest five-wicket haul in Test cricket.
. Starc took five wickets in the first 45 minutes as the visitors slipped to 12/5 before reaching lunch at 35/6.
Cummins added three wickets for 25 runs as Bangladesh slipped further to 39/9. The visitors, however, managed to avoid their lowest-ever Test total. Their lowest score remains 43 against West Indies in 2018.
Bangladesh were eventually bowled out for 64, with Starc finishing with 6/12 from 10 overs.
The spell also took Starc past South African great Dale Steyn's 439 Test wickets. With 441 wickets, Starc is now the 10th-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket. He has taken 19 five-wicket hauls and three 10-wicket match hauls, with best figures of 7/58.
For Bangladesh, the collapse came after Australia had been beaten by nine wickets in Darwin in the opening Test. The second Test therefore began with Australia in control and Bangladesh under pressure with the bat.
#test #bangladesh #wicket
1 month ago
Bangladesh coach Phil Simmons expects Australia to respond strongly in the second Test after his side recorded a nine-wicket win in the series opener in Darwin.
The result was Bangladesh's first Test victory on Australian soil and was described by Australian media as the "Darwin Disaster". Simmons said his players cannot afford to relax when they face the World Test Championship leaders in Mackay from Saturday.
"The only thing I had to say to them - and I will repeat it anyway - is that Australia is going to come harder," Simmons said.
"We have to either keep that level of performance or get a little bit better. Even if we have to get 1% better in some areas, then we will have to make sure that that's there."
"But we know that they are going to change their game. They are going to come harder at us."
Simmons said the victory in Darwin was among the most satisfying results of his coaching career in Test cricket.
Bangladesh could also retain the same XI for the second Test despite left-arm pacer Shoriful Islam pushing for a return. Shoriful, who has taken 27 wickets in 13 Tests, missed the first Test because of a hamstring injury.
"He offers something different. But again, we just won a test match," Simmons said.
"I'm one ... who hardly likes to change winning teams. So it's a possibility, but I can't really say."
Australia, meanwhile, confirmed one change to their team on Friday. Matt Renshaw will open the batting in place of Jake Weatherald, who was dropped on Tuesday.
Captain Pat ****** mins had also considered playing four pacers by bringing in Scott Boland and leaving out spinner Nathan Lyon, but the final XI was confirmed after training.
Cummins said Australia need to produce a better performance in Mackay.
"I think if we play really well and we lose, you feel like you need to do some soul searching," he told reporters.
"I certainly felt like we didn't play anywhere near our best, and they played really well and they deserved to win. So, I think it's going back to when we play well."
"I think everyone's in a pretty good nick. So it's just about translating our form into actually a good result."
#going #better #really
The result was Bangladesh's first Test victory on Australian soil and was described by Australian media as the "Darwin Disaster". Simmons said his players cannot afford to relax when they face the World Test Championship leaders in Mackay from Saturday.
"The only thing I had to say to them - and I will repeat it anyway - is that Australia is going to come harder," Simmons said.
"We have to either keep that level of performance or get a little bit better. Even if we have to get 1% better in some areas, then we will have to make sure that that's there."
"But we know that they are going to change their game. They are going to come harder at us."
Simmons said the victory in Darwin was among the most satisfying results of his coaching career in Test cricket.
Bangladesh could also retain the same XI for the second Test despite left-arm pacer Shoriful Islam pushing for a return. Shoriful, who has taken 27 wickets in 13 Tests, missed the first Test because of a hamstring injury.
"He offers something different. But again, we just won a test match," Simmons said.
"I'm one ... who hardly likes to change winning teams. So it's a possibility, but I can't really say."
Australia, meanwhile, confirmed one change to their team on Friday. Matt Renshaw will open the batting in place of Jake Weatherald, who was dropped on Tuesday.
Captain Pat ****** mins had also considered playing four pacers by bringing in Scott Boland and leaving out spinner Nathan Lyon, but the final XI was confirmed after training.
Cummins said Australia need to produce a better performance in Mackay.
"I think if we play really well and we lose, you feel like you need to do some soul searching," he told reporters.
"I certainly felt like we didn't play anywhere near our best, and they played really well and they deserved to win. So, I think it's going back to when we play well."
"I think everyone's in a pretty good nick. So it's just about translating our form into actually a good result."
#going #better #really
