Saturday, May 09
India captain KL Rahul attributed their four-wicket ODI loss to South Africa to the toss and heavy dew, despite a massive 358/5 powered by centuries from Kohli and Gaikwad. South Africa's record chase of 362/6 was lauded by skipper Temba Bavuma, who highlighted tactical decisions and internal competition as key factors in their victory.
Australia opted for an all-pace attack for the Brisbane Test, leaving out Lyon. The team made two changes from the eight-wicket win in the opening Test in Perth. Michael Neser came in for Lyon, and Josh Inglis replaced injured opener Usman Khawaja. Lyon said he got to know about his omission only after reaching the ground.
Mitchell Starc has become the leading left-arm fast bowler in Test cricket history. He overtook Pakistan's Wasim Akram to achieve this milestone. Starc expressed humility, stating Akram remains unmatched. His exceptional performance with the pink ball continues to impress. Akram himself congratulated Starc on his achievement. England batted first, with Starc taking early wickets. Joe Root led England's recovery.
Anish Giri found a crucial turning point in his chess career during the Global Chess League (GCL) last year, overcoming a dip in form and confidence. He shares humorous anecdotes about team bonding, food preferences, and even a playful "iPhone mutiny." Giri sees the upcoming GCL season as a vital warm-up for the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championships.
Joe Root, the world’s top-ranked batter and second on the all-time Test runs list behind Sachin Tendulkar, had never reached three figures in Australia despite three previous Ashes tours. On Thursday, he buried that narrative. Walking in during the third over with Starc swinging the pink ball under lights, he produced a near-flawless innings and reached his century with a gentle leg glance off Scott Boland.
Joe Root, the world’s top-ranked batter and second on the all-time Test runs list behind Sachin Tendulkar, had never reached three figures in Australia despite three previous Ashes tours. On Thursday, he buried that narrative. Walking in during the third over with Starc swinging the pink ball under lights, he produced a near-flawless innings and reached his century with a gentle leg glance off Scott Boland.
A heartwarming moment saw Rishabh Pant remove an eyelash from Rohit Sharma's face before India's impressive 358/5 in the second ODI. Virat Kohli's 53rd century and Ruturaj Gaikwad's maiden ton powered the score. Rohit also unveiled India's new T20I jersey, expressing confidence for the 2026 World Cup.
Joe Root finally ended his long wait for a Test century in Australia, reaching the milestone at the Gabba. This achievement brought relief to former Australian opener Matthew Hayden, who had publicly vowed to "walk nude around the MCG" if Root failed to score a hundred on the tour. Root reached the milestone in 181 balls.
Pakistani cricketers are prioritising national duty over Big Bash League commitments for the upcoming Sri Lanka T20 series in January. Conditional No Objection Certificates from the PCB mandate players to choose national assignments. Key players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, slated for BBL action, must now select the Sri Lanka tour, crucial for T20 World Cup 2026 preparations.
