Category: Sports

Australia held a 46-run lead on day one of the Boxing Day Test after the hosts were bowled out for 152 and England replied with a limp 110, marking a record 20 wickets falling on the first day of the fourth Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The last instance of 20 or more wickets falling on the first day of an Ashes Test in Australia was back in the 1901-02 season, a time when cricket was played on uncovered pitches.

After winning the toss, England opted to field first. Josh Tongue shone with the best Boxing Day figures since Ian Botham recorded 5-41 in 1986. Tongue also became the first English bowler since 1998 to claim a five-wicket haul at the MCG.

Gus Atkinson drew first blood by removing Travis Head for 27 in the seventh over. Tongue then got rid of opener Jake Weatherald for 10 in the tenth over and quickly followed up by dismissing Marnus Labuschagne for 6, marking his fourth consecutive score under 20 as he nicked a half-drive to first slip. Tongue soon bowled standing skipper Steve Smith out cheaply for 9. Usman Khawaja was caught edging Atkinson, and Alex Carey fell to Ben Stokes at leg-slip, leaving the hosts at 91/6.

Cameron Green and Michael Neser then steadied the innings with a 52-run partnership. Neser hit seven boundaries in a team-high 35 runs before Green’s decision to attempt a quick single led to a run-out, with Brydon Carse hitting the non-striker’s end stumps to catch the diving all-rounder short of his ground.

The run-out triggered a collapse as Australia lost their last four wickets for just nine runs in 20 balls, ending their innings at 152, which is their lowest Boxing Day score since being rolled for 98 in the 2010-11 Ashes.

However, England could not capitalize on their strong bowling performance and were bowled out for their lowest Test score since their last visit to Victoria in 2021.

In response to Australia’s first innings total, England fell to 16-4 within eight overs as Mitchell Starc (2-23) and Neser (4-45) wreaked havoc early on. Harry Brook managed to score 41 in a brief 34-ball innings. He shocked the near-full stadium by aggressively charging at his first ball before missing a reckless slog off Starc. Joe Root attempted defense but edged Neser behind for a duck off just 15 balls.

Brook, after clearing the fence twice, fell lbw to Boland, sparking another collapse as Boland also removed Jamie Smith and Will Jacks soon after, leaving England at 77/7.

Neser then had Ben Stokes caught at second slip, leaving the team staring at a sub-100 total. But Atkinson’s crucial 28 helped the visitors avoid this embarrassment. He was dismissed off Green’s bowling, and Neser sealed England’s fate by getting Carse out for 4, bundling England out for 110.

In their second innings, Australia posted 4 for no loss, taking a 46-run lead at stumps.

Brief scores:
Australia 152 (Neser 35, Tongue 5-45, Atkinson 2-28)
England 110 (Brook 41, Neser 4-45, Boland 3-30)
Australia lead by 46 runs.

The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) recorded a massive attendance of 94,199 fans on the opening day of the Boxing Day Test, marking the highest crowd ever for a cricket match at the venue.

This historic crowd surpassed the previous record of 93,013, set during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup Final between Australia and New Zealand. It also established a new record for the highest attended single day of Test cricket, eclipsing the 91,112 spectators who attended the MCG for Day 1 of the 2013 Boxing Day Test between Australia and England.

This year’s record-breaking Day 1, combined with sold-out Days 2 and 3, puts the Ashes cumulative attendance record of 271,865 (also set in 2013) within reach. Australia currently leads the Ashes 3–0, with one Test (Sydney) remaining after the Boxing Day Test.

Melbourne hosted the inaugural Boxing Day Test in 1950. Since then, Cricket Australia (CA) has held contractual rights to use the MCG until the end of March each summer, despite the venue often being used for Australian Rules football during that month. Earlier this year, CA extended its venue hire agreement with the MCG until the 2030-31 summer.

The iconic venue will also host the historic one-off day-night Test match between arch-rivals Australia and England in March 2027 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the first Test match, marking the first instance of Australia’s men’s team playing a pink-ball Test at the MCG.

Due to the enormous crowds expected to pack the MCG from March 11 to 15 for the historic 150th Anniversary Test, CA has opened a ticket ballot for the first time in its history. The ballot opened on December 23 and runs until February 6, 2026. Once closed, entries will be randomized, and successful applicants will be notified by February 13.

City Football Group (CFG) has divested its shareholding in Mumbai City FC, returning the Indian Super League (ISL) side to full control of its founding owners.

“Mumbai City FC (the Club) can confirm that City Football Group Limited (CFG) has divested its shareholding in the Club. The founding owners will assume full control of the organisation moving forward,” the club stated in an announcement on X.

CFG’s exit comes at a precarious moment for Indian football, with the future of the ISL itself clouded by uncertainty. The group indicated that its decision followed “a comprehensive commercial review and in light of the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the future of the Indian Super League (ISL).” It added that this move reflects CFG’s “disciplined and strategic approach — ensuring its focus remains on areas where it can have the greatest long-term impact.”

The purchase of a 65% share of Mumbai City FC in November 2019 by the Manchester City-owning conglomerate marked a watershed moment in ambition, professionalism, and globalising the club. The club experienced its greatest success during its six-year relationship with CFG.

“Since 2019, CFG and Mumbai City FC have reached new heights, winning two ISL League Winners’ Shields and two ISL Cup titles, strengthening the Club’s football operations, and making meaningful contributions to the growth of the game in India,” the statement said.

By using a data-driven recruitment model and developing the professional manager of their football operations, CFG had an immediate impact on Mumbai City FC. The 2020-21 season saw the club make history by winning both the ISL League Winners’ Shield and the ISL Cup, becoming the first team to achieve the double in one season.

The club won a second Shield in the 2022-23 season, remaining unbeaten during the league’s 18-match duration, a first in the ISL. Mumbai City FC also became the first Indian club to win an AFC Champions League match, marking a landmark achievement for Indian football on the continental stage.

CFG expressed that it remains “proud of the achievements” and “deeply appreciative of everyone connected to Mumbai City FC — from players and coaches to staff, fans, and partners,” while looking forward to continuing its relationships and partnerships in India in the years ahead.

With CFG exiting Mumbai City FC, the club is now fully owned by Ranbir Kapoor, film actor, and Bimal Parekh, a business tycoon. This news poses further challenges for Indian football, impacting the ISL, which currently lacks a confirmed calendar year for play, unresolved commercial contracts among teams, and no resolution from its ongoing governance impasse.

The exit of CFG also raises concerns about the league’s potential financial growth, decreasing the likelihood of attracting future investors or sponsors. Reports indicate that the AIFF (All India Football Federation) has formally rejected proposals from both ISL and I-League teams regarding club-led ownership or operations, exacerbating the rift between clubs and the federation.

The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) has recorded a massive attendance of 94,199 fans on the opening day of the Boxing Day Test, marking the highest crowd ever recorded for a cricket match at the venue.

This historic crowd surpassed the previous record of 93,013, set during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup Final between Australia and New Zealand. It also established a new record for the highest attendance on a single day of Test cricket, eclipsing the 91,112 spectators who attended the MCG for Day 1 of the 2013 Boxing Day Test between Australia and England.

This year’s record-breaking Day 1, combined with sold-out Days 2 and 3, puts the Ashes cumulative attendance record of 271,865 (also set in 2013) within reach. Australia currently leads the Ashes 3–0, with one Test (Sydney) remaining after the Boxing Day Test.

Melbourne hosted the inaugural Boxing Day Test in 1950. Since then, Cricket Australia (CA) has held contractual rights to use the MCG until the end of March each summer, despite the venue often being used for Australian Rules football in that month. Earlier this year, CA extended its venue hire agreement with the MCG until the 2030-31 summer.

The iconic venue will also host the historic one-off day-night Test match between arch-rivals Australia and England in March 2027 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the first Test match, marking the first instance of Australia’s men’s team playing a pink-ball Test at the MCG.

Due to the enormous crowds expected to pack the MCG across five days between March 11 to 15 for the historic 150th Anniversary Test between Australia and England in March 2027, CA has opened a ticket ballot for the first time in its history. The ballot opened on December 23 and runs until February 6, 2026. Once closed, entries will be randomized and successful applicants will be notified by February 13.

Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg has not ruled out the possibility of a day-night Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Upcoming Day-Night Tests at MCG

The MCG hosted a women’s day-night Test match in January 2025. Additionally, the venue is set to stage Australia and England’s 150th Anniversary Test under lights in March 2027.

Melbourne has been the venue for the inaugural Boxing Day Test since 1950. Cricket Australia (CA) holds contractual rights to use the MCG until the end of March each summer, even though the venue is often used for Australian Rules football during that month. Earlier this year, CA extended its venue hire agreement with the MCG until the 2030-31 summer.

Greenberg’s Comments on Day-Night Test

“Look, it’s not off the cards. We’ve been talking a lot about the strength of pink-ball cricket; it was amazing this year in Brisbane, and it has been really good in Adelaide. March 2027, it will get its opportunity here in Melbourne,” Greenberg was quoted by Fox Cricket.

Ticket Ballot for Historic Test

Due to the expected large crowds at the MCG across five days from March 11 to 15 for the historic 150th Anniversary Test between Australia and England, CA has opened a ticket ballot for the first time in its history.

The ballot opened on December 23 and will run until February 6, 2026. Once it closes, entries will be randomised, and successful applicants will be notified by February 13.

“I don’t have the early numbers, but the concept of running a ballot will give you some demonstration of what we see in this event. The strength of ticket sales and the interest it will have, 150 years of cricket between our two countries is going to be a pretty special moment,” Greenberg stated.

“Those who were here in the ’77 Centenary (Test) still talk about it in great affection, and our job is to make sure that happens again at the 150th in March 2027,” he added.

India’s men’s hockey stars Harmanpreet Singh and Hardik Singh are looking to the Men’s Hockey India League (HIL) 2026 as a crucial opportunity to enhance their form and confidence in anticipation of a challenging international schedule that includes the FIH Pro League, FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, and the 2026 Asian Games.

Harmanpreet’s Take on HIL 2026

As captain of the Indian team and Soorma Hockey Club, Harmanpreet Singh expressed his eagerness to make the most of the Hero HIL 2025-26 window before a pivotal year for the national team. “Hero HIL 2026 comes at the perfect time for all of us in the Indian team,” he remarked. “For JSW Soorma Hockey Club, the expectation is to be one of the most disciplined and dangerous sides in both circles. The standard across franchises is very high, so every game will feel like an international match, which is exactly what we want before the Pro League, World Cup, and Asian Games.”

Harmanpreet highlighted the importance of the league environment for developing leadership and nurturing young talent. “As captain for India and Soorma, I see Hero HIL as a chance to build leadership depth and give younger players big-match exposure alongside senior names,” he added. “If we set the tone with our work rate, penalty corner execution, and defensive organisation here, it will carry directly into our performances for India later in the year. The goal is clear — have a strong HIL season and then convert that confidence into medals for the country.”

Hardik’s Role in the League

Meanwhile, Hardik Singh is set to lead the midfield for the HIL Governing Council team, which has taken over operations from the UP Rudras franchise to ensure continuity for its players ahead of the 2026 season. “This Hero HIL season is massive for me and for our HIL Governing Council team,” Hardik said. “The league always offers high-intensity, high-pressure games, and that is exactly what is needed before a year packed with big tournaments. Our expectation is to play bold, attacking hockey, build a strong identity as a group, and show that this squad can compete with any franchise in the league.”

He emphasized that the variety of competition and tactics from different franchises will be crucial for preparing to face top nations later in the year. “Week in, week out, you face different styles, top drag-flickers, fast forwards, and tight defensive units. If we can execute our plans here and maintain consistency over the season, it will help carry that rhythm into the Pro League, World Cup, and Asian Games. Personally, I want to take up more responsibility in both defence and attack and arrive for India duty in peak shape.”

Overview of the Men’s Hockey India League 2026

The Men’s Hockey India League 2026 season includes eight franchises: Tamil Nadu Dragons, Hyderabad Toofans, JSW Soorma Hockey Club, Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers (defending champions), Vedanta Kalinga Lancers, Ranchi Royals, SG Pipers, and HIL Governing Council. The league will follow a single round-robin format with 23 matches, culminating in playoffs (Qualifier 1 and Eliminator on January 23; Qualifier 2 on January 25) and a grand final on January 26 at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, making a total of 33 high-stakes encounters.

The action kicks off on January 3 at Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in Chennai (January 3-9), moves to Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh AstroTurf in Ranchi (January 11-16), and concludes at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar (January 17-26). Fans can look forward to daily double-headers featuring Indian stars against international imports, designed to capture the intensity of FIH competitions while engaging fans through packed venues and themed events.

For senior players like Harmanpreet and Hardik, the league serves as a domestic spectacle and a vital stepping stone toward India’s aspirations on the global stage.

Former Indian skipper Rohit Sharma was dismissed for a golden duck in the first over of Mumbai’s innings against Uttarakhand in the Vijay Hazare Trophy Elite Group C match on Friday.

Rohit was caught at deep fine leg off right-arm medium pacer Akash Madhwal Bora on the final delivery of the first over, with Jagmohan Nagarkoti completing the catch after fumbling his initial attempt.

The 38-year-old opener made a sensational comeback to domestic cricket, scoring a 62-ball century against Sikkim in what was his first Vijay Hazare Trophy match in seven years for Mumbai on Wednesday. He went on to make 155 off 98 in Mumbai’s successful chase.

Rohit’s century marked the former India skipper’s 37th in List A cricket, adding to his tally of 33 international centuries for India.

Virat Kohli’s Stellar Performance

On the other hand, talismanic batter Virat Kohli continued his fine form for Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, scoring a brisk 77 against Gujarat in their Elite Group D match in Bengaluru.

Kohli’s innings was laced with 14 boundaries. He stitched a 72-run second-wicket stand with Arpit Rana and combined for 24 runs with Nitish Rana, followed by a small 10-run stand with Rishabh Pant, before he fell victim to Vishal Jayswal in the 22nd over.

Kohli achieved the milestone of 16,000 List A runs with his first run in the team’s chase of 299 against Andhra Pradesh at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence on Wednesday.

This impressive feat makes him only the second Indian player, after the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, to reach this figure in List A cricket. Despite his long and storied career, Kohli is still chasing Tendulkar’s record of 60 centuries in List A cricket, currently holding 57 centuries.

Kohli’s last appearance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy came during the 2010-11 season, where he captained Delhi. He would go on to play in the NKP Salve Challenger Trophy in 2013-14 but had not participated in the Vijay Hazare for nearly a decade before this comeback.

Josh Tongue scripted history as he became the first England bowler this century to achieve a five-wicket haul in Men’s Tests at the Melbourne Cricket Ground during the Boxing Day Test on Friday.

Tongue’s Impressive Figures

Tongue recorded figures of 5-45 in Australia’s first innings, which ended at 152 all out. Despite England trailing 3-0 in the series, Tongue’s performance helped bowl out Australia for 152, adding crucial momentum for the visitors.

Breaking a Long Drought

This marked the first instance of an England bowler securing a five-wicket haul at the MCG since Darren Gough and Dean Headley accomplished it in 1998. Tongue’s achievement ended a 27-year wait and injected some life into the Ashes series that Australia has already retained.

Personal Best for Tongue

The spell was Tongue’s most fruitful in Test cricket, surpassing his previous best of 5/66 against Ireland at Lord’s in 2023. He is now set up for a hat-trick in Australia’s second innings after dismissing Scott Boland (0) and Michael Neser (35) with the final two deliveries of the hosts’ first innings.

Bowling Dominance

Australia struggled to find a solid start against a stellar bowling performance from England after opting to field first. Tongue took three of the top four Australian batters, resulting in the loss of four wickets during the morning session.

Usman Khawaja was dismissed in the fourth over after lunch due to a successful review. Alex Carey was unable to rescue his team, falling into a leg slip trap. Just when batting seemed to stabilize, Cameron Green was run out. Michael Neser contributed a valuable 35 runs, including seven boundaries, but Tongue returned to conclude the innings, marking his career’s third Test fifer.

Massive Crowd at MCG

A massive crowd was confirmed at the MCG, with 93,442 spectators in attendance, a figure that may continue to grow.

The opening day of the Boxing Day Test was marred by controversy involving the third umpire when Brydon Carse dismissed Mitchell Starc on an alleged no ball.

As Australia found themselves struggling at 142/7, Starc misplayed a lofted drive and was caught by Ben Stokes, who was running back from mid-off. The crowd at the MCG was in disbelief as side-on replays suggested that Carse had bowled a no-ball.

Broadcast replays indicated Carse’s front foot appeared to land beyond the popping crease just as Starc made his way back to the dressing room, raising doubts about a potential no-ball, as reported by Fox Cricket. Starc glanced at the big screen before leaving the field, while third umpire Ahsan Raza concluded that part of Carse’s foot was grounded behind the line at first contact. This decision sparked skepticism among several former Australian players.

“I cannot see how he’s got any part of that shoe behind the line, unless my eyes are gone. I can’t pay that … I can’t see it,” remarked Australian great Mark Waugh during commentary on Fox Cricket.

Former Australian spinner Kerry O’Keeffe stated, “That’s tighter than a second coat of paint. At first point of contact, I can’t see that any part of his heel is behind that white line. It disguises a terrific bit of cricket by Carse himself, and the captain Ben Stokes (with) the strategy to promote (Starc) with that shot.”

With Starc’s dismissal, Australia crumbled, losing their final three wickets in just four balls, being bowled out for 152 in their first innings.

In response, England are currently in a precarious position at 62/4, with Starc and Michael Neser each claiming two wickets.

Notably, the MCG is witnessing a massive turnout, with 93,442 fans already in attendance, a figure that is expected to rise. This crowd not only surpasses the previous Ashes record here (91,092 in 2013-14) but also sets the record for the largest crowd on a day of cricket (93,013 for the 2015 World Cup final).

Australia captain Pat Cummins has set his sights on the T20 World Cup 2026 following a successful hit-and-run mission in the Ashes series. He mentioned he is cooling his heels for a bit as the mega spectacle in India and Sri Lanka begins in early February.

Cummins, who missed the first two Ashes Tests while recovering from a back issue, made his return for the third Test in Adelaide, where he picked up six wickets in the series-clinching win. With the Ashes urn successfully retained, Australia decided to rule Cummins out for the remainder of the series. However, the 38-year-old pacer is with the squad in Melbourne, supporting his teammates from the dressing rooms.

“Feeling good, so got through Adelaide unscathed so pretty happy,” Cummins told Channel 7 during the lunch break on Boxing Day. “As of a few weeks ago, was still coming back from a back injury so playing back-to-back Test matches was pretty high risk. Cool our heels for a little bit with T20 World Cup next month,” he added.

Regarding Cummins’ chances for the T20 World Cup, head coach Andrew McDonald previously stated, “That’ll be an assessment. I’m assuming he’ll have a check-in scan at some point and gather more information around where his back is at… looking forward to the World Cup, whether he’ll be there or not. I can’t really say. It’s quite grey at the moment. We’re hopeful.”

Meanwhile, Cummins mentioned that veteran spinner Nathan Lyon, who is also ruled out of the remaining Ashes Tests, is facing a lengthy period out following surgery on his hamstring.

“He had surgery a couple of days ago, so he’ll have a lengthy layoff, I don’t know exactly, but will be at least a few months. Bit of a long road ahead for him, but he’s done it before so hopefully he’ll be back. It was a big one, so surgery, and he has his crutches in the change room at the moment, so we wish him the best… it was a shame, but he put a brave face after the Test,” Cummins said.