Category: Sports

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka continued her impressive run at the Brisbane International, storming into the quarter-finals with a dominant straight-sets victory over Romania’s Sorana Cirstea.

From the beginning, the defending champion appeared in full command, breaking Cirstea’s serve three times in the first set to establish dominance. Sabalenka kept up her aggressive strategy throughout, securing a comfortable 6-3, 6-3 victory in only 70 minutes, advancing to the tournament’s quarterfinals.

Sabalenka’s performance further underlined her strong record in Australia in recent years. Since the beginning of 2023, the Belarusian has secured 35 wins on Australian courts with just two losses. Her achievements include consecutive Australian Open titles, with her only defeats coming in the finals of the 2024 Brisbane International and the 2025 Australian Open.

Despite her convincing win, Sabalenka acknowledged there are still areas to improve as she prepares for the Australian Open, which starts in Melbourne on January 18. After the match, she mentioned on court that she is not yet at her best and acknowledged that an athlete improves when “pushed” by someone.

“I think there is always room to improve, and I’m definitely not at my peak. Of course, I prefer to win every match 6-0, 6-0, like everyone probably prefers, but at the end of the day, you only get better when someone pushes you and you have to deal with moments under pressure,” Sabalenka said.

Meanwhile, World No. 5 Elena Rybakina also advanced to the quarter-finals, extending her winning streak to 13 matches. The 26-year-old Kazakh registered a convincing 6-3, 6-2 victory over world number 25 Paula Badosa in one hour and 25 minutes.

Rybakina dominated the match with her strong serve and solid baseline play, making it difficult for Badosa to find her rhythm. Her next opponent will be either Ekaterina Alexandrova or Karolina Muchova, competing for a spot in the semifinals.

As several top seeds advance effortlessly, the Brisbane International is setting the stage for exciting quarterfinal matchups, allowing players to gauge their form before the season’s first Grand Slam.

Australia’s talismanic fast bowler Mitchell Starc reached another milestone in his illustrious red-ball career on Thursday as he etched his name alongside the greats during the fifth day of the final Ashes game at the Sydney Cricket Ground. He equalled Rangana Herath’s record for the most wickets taken by a left-arm bowler in Test cricket history.

The Australian legend has now taken 433 wickets in 105 matches, while Sri Lanka’s Herath reached the same total in just 93 matches. Starc performed exceptionally well in the recent Ashes series, taking 31 wickets and contributing with two half-centuries. His outstanding all-round performance earned him the Player of the Series award.

With his usual pace partners Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins unavailable, the 35-year-old shifted the momentum on his own for the hosts. Thanks to his exceptional performances, particularly in Perth and Brisbane, he was named Player of the Match in both Test games.

The left-arm pacer made his Test debut for Australia against New Zealand at The Gabba in Brisbane on December 1, 2011, during the first match of a two-Test series. He took two wickets in that game and was awarded his Baggy Green by Richie Benaud.

Starc is just two wickets short of overtaking Kapil Dev in the list of top Test wicket-takers. The Indian icon, previously the leading wicket-taker in the red-ball format, concluded his career with 434 wickets. Meanwhile, Starc has 433 wickets and will aim to achieve the milestone in his next Test outing.

In 2025, Starc had an outstanding year, playing in 11 Tests and becoming the top wicket-taker with 55 wickets at an average of 17.32. He achieved three five-wicket innings and one 10-wicket match. The left-arm fast bowler also made the strategic choice to retire from T20 Internationals to better manage his workload and remain fit for Test cricket. Nonetheless, he will still participate in T20 leagues like the IPL and BBL. In IPL 2026, he will play for the Delhi Capitals.

An umpiring error has emerged following Harry Brook’s dismissal in England’s second innings, which reportedly stemmed from an illegal delivery by Australian all-rounder Beau Webster that went unnoticed.

Brook’s Dismissal on Day 4

On Day 4 of the Sydney Test, with England at 219/3, Webster trapped Brook lbw for 42, a wicket that handed the tourists a slender 36-run lead. However, replays later showed that Webster had overstepped, with his back foot clearly outside the return crease. Third umpire Kumar Dharmasena failed to detect the no-ball, as noted by Code Sports.

According to the laws, the third umpire is required to check every wicket-taking delivery for front and back-foot no-balls. Had the infringement been identified, Brook should have been recalled to the crease.

Impact on England’s Innings

England’s innings unravelled soon after Brook’s dismissal, yielding just 124 further runs and setting Australia a modest target of 160. The hosts chased it down comfortably to seal a 4–1 series victory.

Controversial Decision on Day 5

On Day 5, Australia opener Jake Weatherald was also reprieved after appearing to edge a delivery from England seamer Brydon Carse. Dharmasena ruled there was insufficient evidence of a clear spike on Snicko, a decision that visibly frustrated Carse and left captain Ben Stokes furious as he challenged the on-field umpire.

Michael Vaughan’s Critique

Former England captain Michael Vaughan voiced his discontent with such errors in the modern game, stressing that technology should prevent mistakes of this magnitude. He remarked, “I don’t think England will use these kinds of decisions as an excuse for why they haven’t won the Ashes but fundamentally, we’re in 2026. With all the technology, that shouldn’t happen. To think there’ve been some back foot no-balls bowled on wickets and nothing has been done; it’s not acceptable in this era. That shouldn’t happen. That is a big moment. Are the third umpires looking for a back foot no-ball or not? They’re the officiators of the game; they should know every rule. It’s a no-ball, it should have been called,” he told News Corp.

The England and Wales Cricket Board’s Chief Executive Officer, Richard Gould, has stated that a thorough review has already begun following England’s 4-1 Ashes defeat.

He added that Ben Stokes and his team will draw lessons from this tour and focus on regaining the Ashes in 2027.

“This Ashes tour began with significant hope and anticipation, and it is therefore deeply disappointing that we have been unable to fulfil our ambition of winning the Ashes in Australia. While there were moments of strong performance and resilience during the series, including a hard-fought victory in the fourth Test in Melbourne, we were not consistent enough across all conditions and phases of the contest, and Australia ultimately deserved to retain the Ashes,” Gould said in a statement.

“We will take many lessons from this tour and are determined to improve quickly. Our focus is on regaining the Ashes in 2027. A thorough review of the campaign is already underway. This will cover tour planning and preparation, individual performance and behaviours, and our ability to adapt and respond effectively as circumstances require,” he stated.

England’s upcoming assignment will be the white-ball tour of Sri Lanka and the subsequent T20 World Cup. Their next Test assignment is in June, when they face New Zealand in a home series. Gould mentioned that necessary changes will be implemented over the coming months.

“The men’s team now moves on to Sri Lanka ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which begins in February, and we will implement the necessary changes over the coming months.”

“We are grateful for the courtesy and hospitality shown to us by Cricket Australia throughout the tour. As always, we are indebted to the travelling supporters who followed the team through thick and thin. Their loyalty and support have been humbling, and we are committed to repaying their faith with stronger performances in the future,” Gould added.

Australian cricket great Damien Martyn has been discharged from the hospital after coming out of an induced coma on Thursday. He is recovering after being diagnosed with meningitis just over a week ago.

Martyn, who represented Australia in 67 Test matches, fell ill on Boxing Day and was taken to the hospital on the Gold Coast late last month, where he was placed in an induced coma due to meningitis. He woke from the coma last week and began talking again.

“It’s terrific and wonderful to know he’s back home, and his family express their gratitude and thanks for all the support,” former Aussie wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist said on Kayo Sports during the fifth Ashes Test.

“The word from the medical staff was the ambulance officers who treated him as soon as they saw him could not have done it any more perfectly, which nipped the infection in the bud,” he added.

“He still has a bit of a journey to go, it was extreme, but great news. It’s almost a miracle really. He was looking in really bad shape when he was in the ICU, wasn’t he?” Mark Waugh said on Fox Cricket.

Martyn was instrumental in Australia’s 2003 ODI World Cup final victory over India, scoring an unbeaten 88 despite batting with a broken finger and forming a crucial 234-run partnership with captain Ricky Ponting. He was part of the side that also won the 1999 ODI World Cup and the 2006 Champions Trophy. After his playing career ended, Martyn briefly worked as a commentator.

During his career, Martyn scored 4,406 runs in Test matches at an average of 46.37. He also played 208 ODIs, scoring 5,346 runs at 40.90, with a top score of 144 not out. He made a famous 88 not out in the 2003 World Cup final, batting with a broken finger and sharing an epic partnership with captain Ricky Ponting as Australia beat India.

Australia’s stand-in captain Steve Smith reflected on his side’s impressive 4-1 Ashes series triumph with pride, describing the fifth Test as a fitting conclusion to the hard-fought campaign. He emphasized the significance of each Test match in the context of the World Test Championship (WTC), as Australia continues to maintain its position at the top of the rankings.

Smith’s Thoughts on the Finale

“It was nice to finish on a high note, and we know the importance of every Test match in terms of WTC. It was a good game of Test cricket and it was a well-earned victory. It was a great wicket out there; it had a bit of everything,” Smith stated while addressing broadcasters after the match.

Team Effort Over Individual Brilliance

Smith highlighted that Australia’s success throughout the series was a result of collective contributions rather than individual performances. “It has been magnificent. I think everyone stood up at different times. Alex, Travis, and Starcy were obviously huge standouts. Other guys stepped up at various points throughout the series. That’s what makes a good team—trusting each other and players stepping up in different scenarios. Everyone did their jobs, so we were really proud of that,” he remarked.

The Role of Experience

Smith acknowledged the critical role of experience in Australia’s dominance. “I guess experience counts for a lot in a series like this as well. It’s obviously a big series. As Australian and English cricketers, it’s the pinnacle. We’ve got an experienced side. We’ve played some really good cricket over the last four or five years, including making two World Test Championship finals. There are guys in the team who still want to improve. It’s just a great side to be a part of,” he said, underlining Australia’s consistency in recent years.

Home Advantage

Playing at home also contributed to the team’s performance, according to Smith. “I think anyone at home plays better. We’ve grown up playing on these surfaces and we’re accustomed to them. We know how to play on these surfaces, and we did it again this time around,” he noted.

A Tribute to Khawaja

Smith also paid tribute to Usman Khawaja, whose final Test marked the conclusion of a distinguished career. “He’s had a wonderful career. It’s been great to be alongside him for all of it. I played in his debut Test match 15 or 14 years ago. He has just grown as a human and as a player. It’s been fantastic to share the field with him, and he’s certainly going to be missed in our dressing room,” he expressed.

With the Shooting League of India (SLI) set to introduce a franchise-based, mixed-team format, Indian rifle shooter and 2022 Asian Games gold medallist Akhil Sheoran believes this league could transform the way shooting is experienced by both athletes and fans.

For Sheoran, the league arrives at a crucial moment when Indian rifle shooting has reached its highest competitive level. “The Shooting League can change the way people connect with our sport. It has the potential to build a bridge between elite shooters and Indian sports fans, much like what we’ve seen with other sports leagues. With a clear schedule and broadcast platform, people can finally watch our performances, understand the sport better and cheer for us,” Sheoran stated.

Akhil recently competed at the 2025-26 National Championships, where he claimed bronze in the men’s 50m rifle 3 positions final. He will also represent India in the same category at the Asian Rifle/Pistol Championships, scheduled to be held in New Delhi from February 2-14, 2026.

Excitement Over Mixed-Team Format

The mixed-team format, a central feature of the league, is something Sheoran is particularly excited about. Having competed in similar events internationally, he feels this team-centric structure will add new excitement to what is usually an individual sport. “The mixed-team format is very interesting. You have specific roles to play with your partner, and that brings a different kind of pressure and energy. It pushes you to adapt while still sticking to your core routines,” he explained.

Sheoran also noted that the league fits seamlessly into a larger competitive ecosystem that has elevated Indian shooting to new heights. Reflecting on his recent bronze medal at the 2025 National Championships, which also featured a world-record score, he emphasized that the rising standards reflect the depth in Indian shooting. “This is definitely the most competitive era of rifle shooting in India,” he remarked. “Performances at the Olympics, World Championships and Asian Games have raised the benchmark. That environment forces all of us to work harder mentally, physically and technically.”

Personal Significance and Future Aspirations

The league holds great personal significance for Sheoran, who has made a strong comeback after injury setbacks that sidelined him from the Paris Olympics. “That phase was extremely hurtful,” he admitted. “But I chose to move on, reset my mindset and focus on the LA 2028 cycle. I told myself I would work harder on every aspect—mental, physical and technical—and this season is about proving that to myself.”

Beyond individual preparation, Sheoran envisions the Shooting League of India as a valuable mentorship platform. With franchises selecting athletes across various tiers—from youth to elite—the league fosters an environment where experience and ambition can converge. “With the years we have spent in the sport, we can guide the younger shooters,” he said.

Preparation for Upcoming Challenges

Crucially, the league’s February window coincides with Sheoran’s preparation for the 2026 Asian Games. “The league will put us in high-pressure match situations early in the year,” he explained. “That’s the kind of preparation you need before heading into events like the World Championships and the Asian Games. It makes the Shooting League not just exciting but a vital step in the international season.”

Australia’s five-wicket victory in the fifth and final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground marked a significant moment for Usman Khawaja, as he walked off the field for the last time in his career, having announced his retirement just days before the match began.

On Day 5 of the SCG Test, as Khawaja took to the field, his teammates stepped back to let him lead them onto the pitch. The England team paid tribute by forming a guard of honour when he came out to bat for the final time, with Australia chasing a modest target of 160 runs.

After Australia’s win, Khawaja expressed his gratitude for concluding his career with a victory and celebrating with his teammates. He said, “It means a lot. So much has gone into it, so long. It’s funny, the game of cricket is so great. And I said to Rach this morning, she was like, just enjoy it. The only thing I wanted was to win. Finish off the Ashes with a win. I’d love nothing more. As much as I wanted to go out there and score runs and hit the winning runs, I’m just grateful for one last final win and celebrate with my teammates.”

In his final game, Khawaja’s scores were not what he hoped for, with figures of 17 and 6 in the two innings as he batted in the middle order. The 39-year-old admitted that managing his emotions was challenging during the match.

Reflecting on his struggle to maintain focus, Khawaja noted, “It was very tough. I was trying to act cool, but in the intense Test match, I found it really hard to control my emotions. I’ve prided myself on being able to control my emotions my whole career. I haven’t given away too much to the opposition or to anyone. I found it really hard to concentrate a lot. Even in the first innings, I found it hard to get into rhythm. And even today, it was… my whole career, particularly the last end of the career has been built on process, process, process.”

He added, “It’s just so hard to go out there and concentrate. But I’m glad we got the win, got over the line. And it’s something I’ll cherish for the rest of my life, being able to finish here at the SCG.”

Australia secured the Ashes series 4-1, reclaiming the urn after the final match at the SCG. Khawaja concluded his international cricket journey after a remarkable 15-year career in the same city where he grew up and made his first-class and Test debuts.

The fifth and final Ashes Test between Australia and England concluded at the Sydney Cricket Ground, making history by attracting a record crowd, which marked the highest attendance for an SCG Test. This surpassed the previous record set during the 1946-47 Ashes.

The 1946-47 SCG Test saw a total of 195,253 fans attending over five days, while the fifth game of the 2025-26 Ashes recorded an impressive attendance of 211,032 by the end of the fifth day. Australia secured the series with a commanding 4-1 victory.

During the 1946-47 series, Australia had previously won 3-0 against England. In the recently concluded Ashes series, Australia claimed a decisive five-wicket win over England in the fifth Test while successfully chasing a target of 160 on a challenging final day pitch.

England started the day well, resuming at 302/8. Matthew Potts struck a boundary off the first ball, and Jacob Bethell continued his strong innings, reaching 150. The morning session featured multiple DRS moments, including a successful review by Bethell. Mitchell Starc wrapped up the innings by dismissing both Bethell and Josh Tongue, finishing the series with a remarkable total of 31 wickets.

Australia’s chase began with energy, led by Travis Head, who helped establish a 62-run opening stand. England remained competitive, creating tension with tight bowling, wasted reviews, and near misses, including a contentious caught-behind decision.

Josh Tongue removed both openers before lunch. After the break, Will Jacks struck again, bowling Steve Smith, and Australia faced a series of quick wickets, raising hopes for an English comeback.

However, Cameron Green and Alex Carey steadied the ship with a vital 40-run partnership. Carey’s boundary in the 32nd over sealed the victory, concluding Australia’s remarkable series triumph, while Usman Khawaja celebrated his farewell Test win with this memorable result.

India batter Tilak Varma has undergone emergency surgery in Rajkot and is likely to miss the upcoming five T20Is against New Zealand, sources familiar with the matter confirmed.

Varma, 23, experienced acute pain in his abdomen after breakfast on Wednesday, a day before Hyderabad’s final Vijay Hazare Trophy league-stage game against Jammu and Kashmir at the Niranjan Shah Stadium Ground C. He was subsequently taken to the hospital, where scans revealed the need for an emergency operation. In consultation with the medical team at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru, Varma was successfully operated on and is believed to be recovering well.

“It was a very emergency situation for Tilak to be operated upon, considering the immense pain he was in. Thankfully, the surgery went well on Wednesday evening at a super-speciality hospital in Rajkot. If all goes well, he could well be discharged tomorrow. It will be known in the next 1-2 days about his status for next month’s T20 World Cup,” sources said.

A top sports medicine specialist, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicated that it typically takes athletes a maximum of one month to recover from such emergency surgery. “The recovery duration also depends on how extensive the tissue damage was. Only pain is a factor in these emergency scenarios as the operation is done on a highly innervated structure, where it twists on itself and cuts blood supply,” further explained the specialist.

This injury raises concerns about Varma’s availability for the T20 World Cup, which begins on February 7. India is scheduled to open their campaign against the United States of America (USA) on the same day at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Varma has been a key figure in India’s T20I setup, amassing 1,183 runs in 37 innings at an average of 49.29 and a strike rate of 144.09. He has scored two centuries and six half-centuries in the format. His absence could lead to India captain Suryakumar Yadav batting at number three.

The BCCI has yet to name a replacement for Varma in the five-match series against New Zealand, which begins on January 21 in Nagpur. It is understood that Varma’s absence may open the door for someone like Shreyas Iyer to play in the T20Is against New Zealand.