What began as a routine fielding effort in Sydney turned into a serious health scare for Shreyas Iyer, who suffered a ruptured spleen during the third ODI against Australia.
England recovered from a disastrous start as captain Brook bludgeoned 135 from 101 balls and Jamie Overton made 46 to help their side finish on 223 all out in 35.2 overs for a fighting chance in the contest.
India will look to address several lingering selection puzzles when they take on South Africa in Ranchi on Sunday in the first ODI of the three-match series, where Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli return to the set-up for a short audition that could well shape their 2027 World Cup fate.
This was India's fourth defeat in the last six Tests at home and in all four Tests -- including three against New Zealand -- their batters have flopped against spin.
Mandhana led the Indian charge at the top, and her partnerships with opening batter Pratika Rawal created quite a buzz in the showpiece event.
Gautam Gambhir, India's head coach, may have expressed support for the Kolkata pitch, but it continues to draw criticism from all quarters.
'Hopefully, not too far in the future, but more in the near future, we'll go back to play four Tests against India'
K L Rahul on Saturday conceded that Indian batters' repeated struggles against spin, especially on home tracks, remain a concern.
Senior batter Virat Kohli's awesome genius in 50-over format was on full view during his 52nd hundred that guided India to a strong 349 for eight against South Africa in the first ODI of the three-match series in Ranchi on Sunday.
England claimed a 1-0 victory in their three-match Twenty20 series against New Zealand after rain curtailed Thursday's final match in Auckland.
Having already secured a place in the semi-finals, England will be hoping to acquire some quality workout time for their batters in their last league match against a beleaguered and rain-tormented New Zealand in the women's World match Cup, in Visakhapatnam, on Sunday.
Former India batter Suresh Raina has backed under-fire national head coach Gautam Gambhir, saying the team's recent poor run in home Tests cannot be attributed to the support staff, as players must shoulder responsibility for the results.
After her early dismissal, Georgia Plimmer brought some spark to the White Ferns' innings, taking on the English attack with a flurry of boundaries.
Former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has said he hopes to continue playing until the 2027 World Cup as he prepares to make his return for his country in the three-match One-Day International series against England, which starts on Sunday.
Rohit Sharma has informed the Mumbai Cricket Association of his availability for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy, heeding the BCCI directive.
WPL 2026 auction to be held on November 27 in New Delhi
With the scars of last year's home series whitewash against New Zealand still raw, preparing rank turners may invite risk.
The seasoned duo of Meg Lanning and Sophie Devine were also among the marquee picks. Giants bought Devine for Rs 2 crore, while UP Warriorz landed Lanning for Rs 1.90 crore.
Walter, who led South Africa to the semi-finals of the 2023 World Cup and final of last year's Twenty20 World Cup, is contracted through to the end of the 2028 World Cup, which New Zealand is co-hosting with Australia.
The collapse, India's lowest failed chase at home, has left behind deeper fault lines than a dry Eden Gardens wicket can conceal.
Reeling from injuries to captain Pat Cummins and paceman Josh Hazlewood, Australia have received a boost ahead of the first Ashes Test in Perth starting Friday, with Cameron Green telling reporters he is ready to bowl free of any restrictions.
Ravindra Jadeja said the looming series defeat to South Africa will have no bearing on India's next Test assignment in Sri Lanka in August next year.
Team India skipper Shubman Gill is unlikely to feature in the second Test against South Africa, with Cricket Association of Bengal sources confirming that he is not travelling to Guwahati with the team on Wednesday.
New Zealand vs Pakistan women's WC game abandoned due to rain, SA qualify for semis
Traditionally carved from top-quality willow, famous bat-makers, source the bulk of their willow wood from Kashmir.
Former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson announced his retirement from Twenty20 internationals on Sunday but he will play for the Black Caps in the test series against West Indies.
India will next play Pakistan on Tuesday.
Harmanpreet Kaur's side would become the fourth team to book the semifinal berth if they get the better of the White Ferns here on the familiar mat of the DY Patil Stadium.
The series promises a fascinating duel between the two modern-day pace greats.
The teams that have qualified for the 2026 World Cup, to be hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19.
No illusions that India are favourites but we will look to control what we can: Sophie Devine
India pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar feels the debate over preparing a spin-friendly track at the Eden Gardens for the opening Test against South Africa is pointless as the country has been laying out such wickets for ages.
India Women suffer injury scare as Pratika Rawal hobbles off field during Bangladesh clash
Bavuma believes this group, unbeaten in full-strength Test series since coach Shukri Conrad took charge in 2023, has the maturity and belief to mount a serious challenge and win their only second series in India after 25 years.
'Frustrated' Sophie Devine calls on WC organisers to start matches early if forecast predicts rain
Harmanpreet, Mandhana, Rodrigues among players retained for WPL 2026: Report
Expect nothing less than hostility, fire and close contests as Ben Stokes' England come armed with their Bazball philosophy to try and get the better of a depleted Australia.
Rawal's right foot got stuck into the turf on the final ball of the 21st over as she ran in from deep midwicket to stop the ball, and collapsed immediately grimacing in pain.
Tom Moody replaces Zaheer Khan, who served as the mentor cum bowling coach of LSG in IPL 2025, before he quit the franchise after just one season.
Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday expressed "outrage" over Mumbai batter Sarfaraz Khan's exclusion from the India A squad and said runs in domestic cricket must be valued by the selectors.
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