South African pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada has been ruled out of the upcoming ODI series against Australia due to a right hamstring strain and faces uncertainty regarding his participation in the subsequent three-match Test series.
Former Australia captain Steve Smith has revealed he felt 'thrown to the wolves' following the 2018 ball-tampering scandal, admitting he still experiences flashbacks to the media frenzy upon his return home.
Kagiso Rabada and Steve Smith's intense rivalry has reignited as South Africa and Australia head into a decisive third Test in Cape Town. Rabada's recent dismissal of Smith in the second Test, coupled with their history from the 2018 series marked by controversy, sets the stage for a thrilling encounter. Both players acknowledge the competitive spirit, with Smith reflecting on his past ban.
South African captain Temba Bavuma acknowledged the pressure of being World Test Champions after their series-levelling win against Australia. He highlighted the team's realisation of facing strong opposition and praised key performances from himself, Marco Jansen, and Kagiso Rabada. The victory sets up an exciting series decider in Cape Town.
'But sometimes I am cuckoo in the head. I sit late at night, and I think of how I want to play and how I want to be as a cricketer.'
As the cycle enters a crucial phase, the teams now look to strengthen their case for a top-two finish.
On the sixth day of the Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship in Ahmedabad, Kenya defeated Canada 49-20, and Bangladesh triumphed over Australia 69-30, boosting their semifinal chances. Sri Lanka's men also secured a semifinal spot by beating England 50-22 and will face India next. Other winners included Malaysia, Uganda (men and women), and Bangladesh (women), with notable performances from key players across various matches.
Josh Inglis scored a century and Nathan Ellis hit an unbeaten 36, including a six off the first ball of the final over, to guide Australia to a dramatic one-wicket victory over Zimbabwe, securing a 3-0 series whitewash.
Jasprit Bumrah ranked third in Jos Buttler and Stuart Broad's top 10 bowlers of the 21st century, ahead of Glenn McGrath and Muttiah Muralitharan, behind Warne and Anderson.
Australia's Matt Renshaw has broken Virat Kohli's record for the most runs scored while batting with lower-order batters and tail-enders (numbers 8 to 11) in a single Test innings, achieving 174 runs during his 190-run knock against South Africa in Durban.
Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Azharuddin praised Sri Lanka's "unreal" 400-run chase against England, highlighting their determination. He also commended Harry Brook's double century and stressed the importance of promoting Test cricket. Azharuddin also congratulated the Indian team for their T20I victory against New Zealand.
New Zealand batter Bevon Jacobs expressed his excitement about potentially batting for the first time at his home ground, Eden Park, in the upcoming fourth T20I against India, reflecting on his 'full circle moment' from watching the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup matches there as a fan.
India's badminton contingent, led by HS Prannoy, is set to compete at the USD 500,000 Super 500 Korea Open. Newly-crowned Hylo Open champion Lakshya Sen has withdrawn, placing more responsibility on Prannoy. Young talents like Tanvi Sharma, Malvika Bansod, and Anmol Kharb will also feature, alongside Indian doubles pairs.
England defeated South Africa by 40 runs in the semi-final at The Oval, securing their place in the Women's T20 World Cup final against Australia. Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt's 75 runs and a crucial partnership with Heather Knight were key to their victory.
Australia's veteran bowling attack, featuring Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon, delivered a decisive performance in the first Test against South Africa in Durban. Their combined effort led Australia to a 214-run victory, with Hazlewood taking career-best figures. Captain Cummins lauded the bowlers' rigorous preparation and team-first approach, highlighting their continued effectiveness despite their age.
Former South Africa all-rounder Shaun Pollock has called for the use of pink balls in traditional daytime Test matches to reduce playing time lost due to bad light, following interruptions in the ongoing first Test between South Africa and Australia.
Australia has announced a 13-man squad for the upcoming two-Test home series against Bangladesh, featuring the return of captain Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon from injury. The series, part of the World Test Championship, sees competition for fast bowling spots with Scott Boland's strong performance, while Jake Weatherald and Cameron Green retain their places despite recent struggles. The squad aims to solidify Australia's top position in the WTC standings.
Australia's nine-wicket loss to Bangladesh in Darwin has been described as one of the country's biggest test humiliations, prompting uncomfortable questions about the top-ranked team's future and sparking calls for regeneration.
Steve Smith surpassed Steve Waugh's Test run tally in 42 fewer matches, moving behind only Ricky Ponting and Allan Border among Australia's leading run-scorers.
New Zealander Zack Swanwick has taken a two-stroke lead in the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship after a second consecutive four-under 67 in Saturday's third round. Swanwick is now seven under par, ahead of defending champion Fifa Laopakdee and fellow Kiwi Cooper Moore. Indian golfers Anshul Mishra, Arkesh Bhatia, and Ribhav Verma missed the cut. Swanwick, a University of Florida junior, expressed confidence heading into the final round, aiming to become the first New Zealander to win the event.
Australia secured a thumping innings and 51-run victory over Bangladesh in Mackay, levelling the two-match series 1-1. Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon were instrumental, with Starc taking 10-51 in the match.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed that the qualifiers for the Los Angeles Olympics' cricket competition will take place in January-February 2028, according to a media report.
Australian batsman Steve Smith admitted to feeling anxious after being hit on the head during the first Test against South Africa, fearing another concussion, despite passing all protocols.
Pat Cummins has played down concerns Usman Khawaja's autobiography could reopen Sandpapergate, saying the 2018 scandal was dealt with.
Former England all-rounder Samit Patel lauded Indian cricket stars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, highlighting Kohli's mastery in run chases and Rohit's explosive batting and leadership. Patel also shared his 'Fab Four' picks and predicted semi-finalists for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Cricket Australia has announced that private investment will be introduced into the Big Bash League (BBL) from the 2027-28 season, beginning with the sale of the Melbourne Renegades T20 franchise, a move aimed at strengthening the league's long-term future and boosting finances.
Following South Africa's defeat in the 1st Test in Durban on Tuesday, October 13, Herschelle Gibbs wants Kagiso Rabada back, Marques Ackerman included and Ryan Rickelton moved down the order to keep wickets in the 2nd Test.
Middle-order batter Sarfaraz Khan has voiced his frustration and bitterness after his consistent domestic performances and improved fitness have not led to a recall to the Indian Test team. He questioned the motivation to work hard when efforts don't translate into national selection, particularly highlighting his strong performances in intra-squad matches abroad and the team's perceived preference for him only in home Test conditions.
The Indian trio of Ribhav Verma, Anshul Mishra, and Arkesh Bhatia faced a challenging opening day at the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship in New Zealand due to strong winds and a difficult course layout. While they struggled, defending champion Fifa Laopakdee of Thailand delivered an exceptional eight-under 63 to take a commanding lead. The Indians now need a significant improvement on Friday to make the halfway cut.
Nathan Lyon, Australia's second-highest Test wicket-taker, faces increasing pressure on his automatic selection in the Test squad.
Indian shuttler Tanvi Patri, 15, is set to compete at the Dakar Youth Olympics, balancing rising expectations after her Asian Under-17 title and maiden senior international win. She aims to stay focused on her game, drawing on her diverse international experience and recent successes, including becoming the first Indian to win both Asian U-15 and U-17 titles.
India concluded the Commonwealth Cue Sports Championships with an impressive haul of 13 medals, including three gold, five silver, and five bronze. Indian athletes excelled across various disciplines like men's snooker, women's English Billiards, and men's English Billiards, securing top honours and demonstrating strong performances against international competitors.
Such is the depth of riches in Indian cricket that Shubman Gill, despite boasting of a good record in T20Is and IPL, finds himself out of contention in India's T20 team.
James Hopes and Brad Haddin have resigned from their coaching positions with Punjab Kings to take on head coaching roles in Australia, with Hopes heading to Queensland and Brisbane Heat, and Haddin to New South Wales.
From a Duleep Trophy hundred to a Player of the Match performance against Australia A, Kumar Kushagra's recent form has earned him his first India call-up.
A sell-out crowd of approximately 40,000 fans is anticipated for the fourth T20 International between India and New Zealand at Eden Park, marking the third-biggest attendance in the venue's history for an international cricket match.
Australian captain Sophie Molineux was the costliest buy at the Women's Premier League auction, fetching Rs 1.1 crore from UP Warriorz. Other significant buys included Kiran Navgire for Delhi Capitals and Grace Harris for UP Warriorz. Several prominent players, including Saika Ishaque and Chamari Athapaththu, went unsold, while teams also focused on acquiring uncapped Indian and international talent. Team officials shared insights into their auction strategies.
Former Australian cricketer David Warner has been convicted and fined A$1,500 for drink-driving in Sydney.
Bangladesh achieved a historic nine-wicket victory over top-ranked Australia in the first Test in Darwin, marking their first Test win in Australia. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto credited the team's focus on pace bowling for this significant upset, highlighting a shift in mindset among young fast bowlers. Hasan Mahmud was named Player of the Match for his nine wickets, including 6-55 in the first innings.
Australia is set to host Bangladesh in a two-match Test series in the country's tropical north, marking the first time since 2003.