Author: Raghav Singh

Former England cricketer Michael Vaughan has warned against wholesale changes to the team after Travis Head’s unbeaten 142 guided hosts Australia to 271/4, increasing their lead to 356 at the end of day three’s play in the third Ashes Test at Adelaide Oval.

Throughout the series, England’s Bazball strategy has faced constant scrutiny as it hasn’t led to the expected outcomes, with their batting demonstrating vulnerability at crucial moments. England’s winless streak in Australia would extend to 17 Tests if they lost in Adelaide, marking their fourth consecutive Test series loss down under. Historically, every Ashes defeat on Australian soil has triggered significant changes to the England lineup.

“English cricket often works in four-year cycles, home and away Ashes series,” Vaughan told the Ashes Debrief on BBC iPlayer. “One or two players need to go because they aren’t good enough at this level, but a number of them have enough talent. If they are coached and managed correctly, and given the right kind of preparation, they are going to be fine in four years. It’s the only way I can see that English cricket can possibly be competitive in Australia, if they stick with some of the players who have the experience. Bad experience is better than no experience,” Vaughan added.

Although it seems unlikely that captain Ben Stokes and senior batsman Joe Root will return for another Ashes tour of Australia, Vaughan believes several current players possess the temperament and skills to earn another chance in Australia.

Vaughan also highlighted that the remaining Tests in Melbourne and Sydney will be critical learning experiences, allowing England to assess players, adapt their approach, and gather valuable insights for the future.

“I look back to 2002-03, we were 4-0 down and won in Sydney. I learnt a lot about the next few years from winning that one game,” said Vaughan. “England can’t think there is anything to gain from the next two games. If this goes wrong, and it looks like it may do, Melbourne and Sydney are still opportunities to learn for the next time they come or the next time they play Australia.”

Veer Ahlawat showcased his experience to clinch the championship at the Rs 1 crore CIDCO Open, marking the first-ever professional event held at the Kharghar Valley Golf Course (KVGC) in Navi Mumbai on Friday.

Strong Performance Over Four Rounds

Ahlawat (65-65-73-67) from Gurugram led the leaderboard for the initial three days, remaining solo leader in the first two rounds and a joint leader after the third round. He delivered a solid final round of four-under 67, overcoming a tumultuous start to finish victorious by three strokes with a total score of 14-under 270.

The six-foot four-inch golfer, who is the 2024 PGTI Order of Merit champion, secured his second title of 2025 and sixth overall, earning a winner’s cheque of Rs 15 lakh. This victory propelled him from 18th to 11th position in the 2025 PGTI Rankings.

Runner-Up and Other Notable Performances

Pune’s Rohan Dhole Patil (70-69-64-70), who was the overnight joint leader with Ahlawat, shot a final round of 70 to finish as the runner-up at 11-under 273. This marked his best finish on the PGTI, netting him a cheque of Rs 10 lakh and elevating his rank from 42nd to 32nd in the PGTI Rankings.

Gurugram’s Manu Gandas (68-68-70-68) and Italy’s Michele Ortolani (67-66-72-69) tied for third place at 10-under 274.

Chandigarh’s Ravi Kumar made the tournament’s third hole-in-one during his final round of 71, acing the 13th hole. His total of four-under 280 secured him a tie for ninth place.

Ahlawat’s Journey Through the Final Round

Ahlawat, representing the DLF Golf & Country Club, Gurugram, began positively with tap-in birdies on the first and third holes. However, the momentum shifted until the 10th hole, where he managed only one birdie against two bogeys and a double-bogey, encountering trees and a water hazard on the fourth and ninth holes respectively.

As Rohan Dhole Patil, Michele Ortolani, and Manu Gandas closed in on him, Ahlawat regained control with an eagle and four birdies against a single bogey in the last eight holes. He made impressive putts for eagle and birdie on the 12th and 18th holes, respectively, along with a 15-footer for birdie on the 13th.

The competition found it challenging to keep pace with Ahlawat on the back nine. Rohan, who was one over till the 13th, rallied with three consecutive birdies but ultimately finished three shots behind Ahlawat after a bogey on the final hole.

Ahlawat Reflects on His Win

Ahlawat, who gained vital international experience by participating in the DP World Tour in the 2025 season due to his PGTI Order of Merit win last year, shared, “I started well today but then made some mistakes till the 10th. I then got on a roll from the 11th onwards.”

“Despite the tough stretch in the middle, I was quietly confident because I knew at the back of my mind that I had played well in such tight situations before. I knew that once I brought my ‘A’ game out, I would be hard to beat.”

Ahlawat also expressed gratitude, stating, “I would like to thank CIDCO and L&T for their support of this event. CIDCO has done a wonderful job with the Kharghar Valley Golf Course, as I feel it is one of the best golf courses in the country in terms of its layout and length.”

Former England captain Nasser Hussain believes Australia are firmly in control of the third Test as well as the Ashes series, warning that England face “slim odds” of pulling off a miraculous escape. The hosts built a commanding position by taking a 356-run lead at Stumps on Day 3 of the third Test at the Adelaide Oval.

With a 2-0 lead going into the third Test, a draw is sufficient for Australia to secure the series, ensuring they hold onto the Ashes Urn. “Australia have got a lot of batting still to come, and they’re not going to be in a rush. They’re 2-0 up, and even with a draw here, the Ashes are retained,” Hussain said on Sky Sports.

England had a promising first session on Friday as skipper Ben Stokes (83) led from the front, putting together a 106-run partnership for the ninth wicket with Jofra Archer (51). The visitors briefly threatened a fightback, adding 73 runs to their overnight score of 213/8 to reduce the deficit to 85 runs before getting bowled out for 286.

Travis Head’s unbeaten 142 further strengthened Australia’s chances of retaining the Ashes with two games to spare, as the hosts currently hold a 356-run lead with six second-innings wickets remaining. “They want their bowlers, one of whom (Cummins) is coming back from a few months out with an injury, to have a big lead. They want Nathan Lyon to have a pitch that’s turning a little bit more, so they’re in no rush. They’ll look to get the lead past 450.”

“One of the things this England side has done well, under this regime, is chase in the fourth innings, but this is different. This is with the Ashes on the line, and it looks like it’s going to be 450 plus. The odds are slim. England needs a miracle, though I always believe that a game of cricket – go back to Headingley in 2019 – it’s not over till it’s over. Especially in an Ashes series. You fight until that very last delivery, but England’s staring down the barrel,” he added.

After England skipper Ben Stokes didn’t bowl on Day Three of the third Test of the Ashes 2025-26 series at the Adelaide Oval, assistant coach Jeetan Patel said that the all-rounder is “pretty knackered” but believes he is “fit to bowl.”

Stokes batted for over five hours to score 83 in England’s first innings. On Day Three, he utilized five other bowlers as Australia reached 271-4 in their second innings, leading by 356 runs.

During his long innings of 198 balls, Stokes was hit on the head by Mitchell Starc and suffered from cramps. He also briefly left the field after hitting his head on the ground while attempting to stop the ball.

“He might be a bit tired and just need a bit of time to himself right now. From what I understand, he’s pretty fit to bowl. I think he’s just pretty knackered, and he’s taken a lot out of himself to get through to this point in the game,” Patel told reporters.

“He didn’t bowl, but that’s probably a different discussion with him. I don’t actually know. We all know he doesn’t do anything at 80%. Maybe he thought he was a risk, so he didn’t bowl,” he added. Stokes has been a key bowler for England, claiming important wickets in the two Tests played so far, including 5-23 in the first innings of the first Test.

The last time Stokes reduced his bowling was on the final day of the drawn fourth Test against India at Old Trafford in July. He later missed the fifth Test at The Oval because of a shoulder injury.

England are close to another defeat in Australia and could lose the Ashes very quickly. If they lose the Adelaide Test on Day 4, it would mean the series result will be determined in just 10 days, as the first two Tests ended after only two and four days.

England will need to achieve the highest successful chase at the Adelaide Oval to keep the series alive.

Former India cricketer Abhinav Mukund praised Auqib Dar for finally making his mark in the Indian Premier League (IPL) after the Jammu and Kashmir pacer secured an Rs 8.40 crore deal from Delhi Capitals in the recent mini-auction.

A Strategic Addition for Delhi Capitals

Mukund emphasized that Delhi Capitals needed an opening bowler to partner with veteran Australian pacer Mitchell Starc. “Auqib is the opening bowling option DC was looking for,” he said.

Starting at a base price of Rs 30 lakh, Auqib attracted a competitive bidding war among Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Sunrisers. Ultimately, the 29-year-old pacer from Baramulla was claimed by DC.

Auqib’s Journey and Potential

“I am very happy for Auqib Dar. He has played for a long time for Jammu and Kashmir and finally gets a chance on this big stage. Delhi Capitals needed powerplay bowling options. Some people question his death bowling, but he will learn at a tough ground like Delhi,” Mukund added.

Reflecting on last year’s troubles with Natarajan’s injury, he noted that DC sought multiple pacers. “They needed someone to open the bowling with Mitchell Starc. That is the role they see for him at Delhi Capitals, which is a heartwarming story,” he remarked.

Bringing Value to the Team

Auqib has been a reliable wicket-taker in domestic cricket recently and primarily excels as a swing bowler. The Jammu & Kashmir bowler has also enhanced his skills in death overs, significantly increasing his market value.

Delhi Capitals’ co-owner Parth Jindal highlighted the team’s requirement for a swing bowler. “We needed someone who swings the ball and gets early breakthroughs, and we found Auqib Dar as the perfect candidate to play that role. That’s the reason we tracked him throughout the entirety of the current domestic cricket season. He is an exciting talent, and we went all out for him. We are really happy to get a player from Jammu and Kashmir,” Jindal stated.

Indian women’s team players Beauty Dung Dung and Sangita Kumari are excited to share the field with Argentine stars Agustina Albertario and Agostina Alonso, who will be playing for Ranchi Royals in the Women’s Hockey India League (HIL) season 2, starting December 28.

Argentina secured the silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2022 and the bronze in the Paris Olympics in 2024. The Indian duo is looking forward to this opportunity to play alongside such accomplished players.

Expressing their admiration for Albertario and Alonso, Sangita stated, “The Argentine players come in with plenty of experience, especially Agustina Albertario and Agostina Alonso. They’re great players. I’m excited to share the dressing room with them and play alongside them.” Beauty added, “They’re a bit older than us and have played more matches, so they have a lot more experience. That’s something we can learn from. The more we interact with them, the better it will be for us.”

Sangita and Beauty are also enthusiastic about playing at home in Ranchi and preparing for the upcoming Olympic Qualifiers in Hyderabad. As the Ranchi Royals gear up for the second season of HIL, the young stars from Jharkhand are thrilled to represent their home franchise in front of a local crowd.

Having made their India debuts in 2021, Sangita has scored 30 goals while Beauty has contributed six. They are now looking forward to embarking on a new journey with Ranchi Royals in the HIL.

Sangita remarked, “It’s a proud feeling to play at my home ground. It’s always a special occasion to play in Ranchi, now that I’m representing the Ranchi Royals. The audience here loves hockey, and that makes it exciting for the players as well. For me, personally, it’ll be extra special because my family will come to watch the matches as well.”

Sangita, who was part of the Indian team that won a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games in 2022, said she is eagerly awaiting the campaign’s start.

Beauty also shared her enthusiasm about representing her home franchise. “Whenever we play a game in Ranchi, it’s always very crowded because there are so many hockey fans in the city. It’s our home ground, so we will do whatever it takes to win.”

The midfielder emphasized the positive impact HIL has on young players, providing them a chance to play alongside some of the top international talent. “Sometimes, as juniors, you wonder when you’ll get a chance to play for the senior team, but now this league gives junior players a chance to play with the top players from around the globe. If we raise the standards to the highest level, the grassroots system is bound to follow.”

Beauty added, “Women’s hockey is on the rise, and we want to take it even further. The HIL is a great platform for the juniors and state players. It’s a great learning experience for them—not only from the women’s matches but also from the men’s games.”

Both players highlighted the importance of interactions with international players in enhancing their skills. “There’s a lot we can learn from foreign players, and there are things they will learn from us as well. We’ll ask for their advice when we can’t execute a skill or convert a chance, and they are happy to share their suggestions,” Kumari shared.

With talents like Sakshi Rana and Kanika Siwach on their side, Ranchi Royals boast young Indian players who participated in the recently concluded Junior Women’s World Cup in Chile. Sangita advised these young players to enjoy the game. “They have to keep doing what they’re doing and enjoy the game. That’s the most important thing. My advice to them would be to back their technique and skills, and give it their best shot.”

The Women’s Hockey India League will commence on December 28, with Ranchi Royals facing off against SG Pipers. All matches will be broadcast live on Sony Sports Ten 1, Sony Sports Ten 3, and DD Sports and streamed on Waves and the Hockey India League YouTube channel.

Opener Travis Head’s unbeaten 142, alongside Alex Carey’s solid 52 not out, propelled Australia to a commanding position, leaving England on the verge of losing the Ashes series. At stumps on Day 3 of the third Test at the Adelaide Oval, Australia amassed a significant 356-run lead, concluding the day at 271/4.

Head, who was dropped by Harry Brook when he was on 99, notched up his second century of the series and the 11th of his Test career. This innings marked Head’s fourth hundred against England.

England had a promising start to the day, with skipper Ben Stokes leading the charge with 83 runs. He formed a crucial 106-run partnership with Jofra Archer, who contributed 51 runs. The visitors showed signs of a fightback in the morning session, adding 73 runs to their overnight score of 213/8 before being bowled out for 286, bringing the deficit down to 85 runs.

Brydon Carse added to the tension by trapping Jake Weatherald lbw for just 1 run, leaving Australia at 17/1 in 5.0 overs just before lunch in their second innings. Following the break, Josh Tongue dismissed Marnus Labuschagne for 13, providing England with further optimism.

However, Australia managed to maintain control throughout the next two sessions, losing only one wicket (Labuschagne) in the post-lunch period, reaching 119/2 at tea. Usman Khawaja resumed his steady approach from the first day of the Test, building an 86-run partnership with Head.

England briefly revived their hopes after tea, claiming two quick wickets. Will Jacks removed Khawaja for 40, and Tongue followed up by sending Cameron Green back for just 7 runs. Despite these breakthroughs, Australia’s lead was already nearing 300.

Alex Carey then stepped up, continuing his fine form from the first innings, reaching his fifty and forming an unbeaten 122-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Head.

Brief scores:

• Australia: 371 and 271/4 in 66 overs (Travis Head 142 not out, Alex Carey 52 not out; Josh Tongue 2-59)
• England: 286 (Ben Stokes 83, Jofra Archer 51; Scott Boland 3-45, Pat Cummins 3-69)
• Australia leads by 356 runs.

With six wickets in three innings, spinner Varun Chakravarthy is India’s top bowler in the T20I series against South Africa. He heads into the fifth and final match of the series in Ahmedabad with high hopes, aiming to help the hosts secure a larger victory margin. The mystery spinner expressed his desire to create self-imposed pressure as he prepares for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Series Context
India leads the series 2-1 after the fourth match was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to fog. The team will strive for a 3-1 outcome at the Narendra Modi Stadium, while South Africa aims to level the five-match series at 2-2 in this contest between the top two sides from the 2024 T20 World Cup.

The fifth and final T20I in Ahmedabad presents India with an opportunity to end a challenging tour of South Africa on a positive note, and Chakravarthy is focused on contributing to that achievement.

Chakravarthy’s Strategy
Speaking on JioStar, Chakravarthy emphasized the importance of trusting his lengths and learning from early setbacks in his international career. He believes in mentally challenging himself even during seemingly straightforward matches. Confidence and mindset have been crucial to his recent success.

“My plan is simple; stick to the basics and bowl my length. Sometimes it works, and thankfully, in the last three matches, it has worked well. I will try the same in the next match. It’s about mindset and skill. When you are not confident, your mindset affects your skill,” said Chakravarthy.

“The key is to stay confident and back your skills. That is when you execute well, without much change. That is the secret to being consistent. At this level, you must be consistent; playing at the highest level is important to know where you stand. In my first match at the international level, I struggled a bit initially, and that’s when I understood a few things. I went back to practice and made corrections. So, it is very important to keep playing at the highest level,” he added.

World Cup Preparation
Chakravarthy also discussed the significance of self-imposed pressure in his World Cup preparations, stating, “It is very important to keep putting pressure on yourself to get ready for the World Cup. You have to challenge yourself even when there is no challenge. If a match feels easy, you have to create that pressure mentally and start challenging yourself. Confidence, bowling the right lengths, and understanding the opposition are key. That is one major factor I want to take into the World Cup. With a better understanding of the opposition, I think I can do well.”

After a triumphant campaign in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, the Indian women’s team has returned to the BCCI Centre of Excellence to prepare for the five-match T20I series against Sri Lanka Women, starting on Sunday in Visakhapatnam.

Continuity in the Squad

The core group that lifted the ODI World Cup trophy in Navi Mumbai last month continues to feature in the T20I squad. On Friday, the entire team dedicated themselves to an intense training session in Vizag ahead of the series opener.

Key Player Returns

Renuka Thakur, who missed the previous T20I series against England due to injury, makes her return to the lineup after a successful ODI World Cup campaign. Additionally, 19-year-old Vaishnavi Sharma earns her maiden call-up to the T20I side. The young spinner was the leading wicket-taker in the ICC Under-19 Women’s Cricket World Cup this year, claiming 17 wickets as India secured their second consecutive title. Following the practice session, she celebrated her birthday in a special way.

Looking Ahead

This series marks the first assignment for Harmanpreet Kaur and her team since their ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 triumph last month. It sets the stage for both teams as they gear up for next year’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to commence on June 1 in England and Wales.

India’s last T20I series took place during their tour of England in early July, where they clinched the series 3-2.

Dominance Against Sri Lanka

India has a strong record against Sri Lanka, having secured 20 wins in 26 matches. The visitors’ last victory in India dates back to 2014, coincidentally also in Visakhapatnam, where the first two games of the upcoming T20I series will be held.

The Indian women’s cricket team will take the field for the first time since their victory over South Africa in the final of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup at the Dr D.Y. Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.

Team Squad

Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, Harleen Deol, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud, Renuka Singh Thakur, Richa Ghosh (WK), G Kamalini (WK), Sree Charani, Vaishnavi Sharma.

Mount Maunganui Test Update

Devon Conway crafted the highest Test score, enabling New Zealand to declare their innings at a remarkable 575/8. The West Indies, in response, showcased a strong performance, reaching 110 without loss at stumps on Day 2 of the third and final Test at Bay Oval.

Conway’s Stellar Performance

Conway scored an impressive 227 runs, with Rachin Ravindra contributing a vital 72 not out. Together, they shared an unbeaten 39-run partnership for the ninth wicket with recalled spinner Ajaz Patel, who finished with 30 not out. Building on their overnight score of 334/1, New Zealand declared their innings on Friday morning.

West Indies’ Resilience

The West Indies countered effectively, closing Day 2 at 110 for no loss after just 23 overs. Brandon King remained unbeaten on 55, while his partner John Campbell was on 45 not out, leaving the team trailing New Zealand by 465 runs.

The absence of the injured Kemar Roach hampered the West Indies’ bowling efforts. New Zealand, who resumed their innings at 334/1, experienced an early setback on the second morning but managed to post 241/7 in 65 overs before declaring.

Milestones and Partnerships

Conway, beginning the day on 178 not out, lost nightwatchman Jacob Duffy early, who edged behind to Imlach off Jayden Seales, concluding his innings at 17 runs from 25 balls. Conway completed his double century off 316 balls, featuring 28 boundaries. This marked his second double hundred, following his remarkable 200 in his debut Test innings against England at Lord’s four-and-a-half years ago. Notably, he surpassed the top score of his childhood idol, South African Neil McKenzie, who has a Test best of 226.

New Zealand crossed the 400-run mark before lunch, with Conway and former captain Kane Williamson adding 69 runs for the third-wicket partnership. Williamson made 31 runs before becoming Justin Greaves’ first victim of the day.

Following Conway’s dismissal, Ravindra proved instrumental as Daryl Mitchell (11) and Tom Blundell (4) struggled during the middle session. With Glenn Phillips (29) departing after tea, Ravindra found solid support from Patel, allowing New Zealand to extend their first innings.

West Indies Bowling Efforts

For the West Indies, Jayden Seales (2-100), Anderson Phillip (2-154), and Justin Greaves (2-83) each took two wickets, while skipper Roston Chase, who bowled 44 overs, and Roach finished with one wicket apiece.

Day 2 Wrap-Up

In the final 90 minutes of play, the West Indies established a solid foundation, finishing the day without losing a wicket. John Campbell, batting with an injured right hand, remained unbeaten on 45, while Brandon King stood on 55.

The Black Caps struggled to make breakthroughs during the first 15 overs of seam bowling in the late afternoon session, with Zak Foulkes and Michael Rae leaking runs. Ajaz Patel, in his first Test bowling appearance on home soil in nearly six years, couldn’t secure a wicket, leaving the hosts hopeful for a better performance on the following day.

New Zealand will need a revised strategy on Day 3 to prevent the West Indies from amassing a significant score and turning the match into a high-scoring affair. Clinching the Test would secure New Zealand a series victory of 2-0 and provide essential points for the World Test Championship standings.

Brief Scores:

New Zealand 575/8 dec in 155 overs (Devon Conway 227, Tom Latham 137, Rachin Ravindra 72 not out; Justin Greaves 2-83, Jayden Seales 2-100, Anderson Phillip 2-154) trail West Indies 110 for no loss in 23 overs (Brandon King 55 not out, John Campbell 45 not out) by 465 runs.