Smith will lead the Aussies for the Ashes opener in Perth.
The stand-in Australia captain was asked about Panesar's recent comments that England should shame Smith over his involvement in "Sandpapergate" to get a psychological edge in the series, which starts in Perth on Friday.
Since the inception of the Indian Premier League in 2008, we've witnessed many a matches that have kept us on the edge of our seats. Norma Astrid Godinho/Rediff takes you down memory lane to relive some nail-biters in the history of the IPL.
South Africa defeated New Zealand by 19 runs in the fourth T20I to level the five-match series 2-2. Connor Esterhuizen's half-century earned him Player of the Match.
The five-Test away series against India next year is set to be a decisive phase in an unprecedented and taxing schedule for Pat Cummins' ageing side.
The UK High Court has concluded the hearing for Nirav Modi's application to reopen his extradition appeal, focusing on claims of potential torture during interrogations in India. The court has reserved its judgement.
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri outlined the quality of Steve Smith that has always amazed him, and expects the captaincy for the first Ashes Test in Perth to bring the best out of him.
Sunderland defeated Newcastle United 2-1 with a late goal from Brian Brobbey, while Nottingham Forest secured a 3-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in Premier League action.
Injuries prevented Archer appearing in subsequent Ashes series but the 30-year-old is now fit and firing and will be part of England's high-octane pace attack that many think could power them to a first series win in Australia since 2010-11.
The London High Court has rejected Nirav Modi's petition to reopen his extradition case, citing the Indian government's assurances regarding his treatment in India as a key factor in their decision.
The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is facing logistical and contractual challenges as several overseas players withdraw to participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL), which offers more lucrative contracts. The PCB is considering actions against players breaching contracts but fears deterring future talent.
From breakout heroes to forgotten names, revisit IPL stars who dazzled for a season but failed to replicate their magic.
The UK High Court has rejected Nirav Modi's attempt to reopen his extradition case, citing the Indian government's comprehensive assurances against torture as sufficient to allow his transfer to India.
The West Indies and South Africa cricket teams are scheduled to leave India after being stranded due to travel restrictions caused by the Middle East conflict following their T20 World Cup campaigns.
Devon Conway scored a crucial 60 while Lockie Ferguson and Ben Sears starred with the ball as New Zealand national cricket team beat South Africa national cricket team by 68 runs in the second T20I to level the series.
Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey met in Islamabad in what analysts say is the formal opening of a new diplomatic formation that could reshape the post-war regional order. Their immediate goal is a ceasefire; their larger ambition is to ensure that neither Iran nor Israel emerges from this war in a dominant position. Pakistan's foreign minister then flew directly to Beijing and mooted a Chinese role as guarantor of any eventual agreement. Prem Panicker continues his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.
Australia's T20 World Cup campaign hangs by a thread after shock defeats to Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka, with injury setbacks and controversial selection decisions -- including Steve Smith's omission -- drawing sharp criticism.
Travis Head was named as Australia's captain against Ireland, while left-hander Matt Renshaw made his T20 World Cup debut.
Graeme Smith emphasised the importance of getting off to a strong start in the upcoming Test series against India
Amid West Asia crisis, England, South Africa and West Indies to depart over the weekend.
Despite flashes of talent, Sam Konstas' domestic form -- marked by erratic shot choices and a lack of consistent runs -- has intensified debate over Australia's opening options for the Ashes.
I certainly get drained mentally quicker than I've probably used to: Smith
South African bowler Marco Jansen reveals he studied and attempted to replicate Jasprit Bumrah's bowling technique after watching replays from a Test match in Kolkata, which led to improved performance in the T20 World Cup.
The England women's cricket team was forced to shift its T20 World Cup preparatory camp to South Africa after it had to call off its plans to travel to Abu Dhabi due to security concerns owing to the ongoing conflict in the region, involving United States, Israel and Iran.
South Africa won't dwell on T20 World Cup exit, Markram says
Australia, dealing with injury concerns surrounding captain Mitchell Marsh, will face a potentially tricky Zimbabwe side in their upcoming T20 World Cup Group B match. The Aussies are aiming for a Super Eights spot, but Zimbabwe's bowling attack and experienced players could pose a challenge.
Israel and the United States had a plan. Iran punched back. And now the Gulf is reeling, the world is beginning to feel the pain and, as on date, no one in Washington or Tel Aviv appears willing to admit that the punch has landed, notes Prem Panicker, continuing his must-read blog on the war in the Middle East.
Wolverhampton Wanderers and Sunderland have condemned the racial abuse directed at their players on social media following recent Premier League defeats.
South Africa has announced its home test series schedule for the 2026/27 season, featuring matches against England, Australia, and Bangladesh.
Liverpool secured a dominant win over West Ham, while other Premier League matches saw Brentford edge Burnley in a seven-goal thriller and Everton secure a late victory against Newcastle.
Australia's title bid will be tested by injuries and Asian conditions at the T20 World Cup.
Arsenal seized control of the Premier League title race as Bukayo Saka's goal secured a priceless 1-0 win at Brighton and Hove Albion and Manchester City could only draw 2-2 at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest.
For Ian Smith, a player of Rishabh Pant's calibre walks into any T20 side and hence the former New Zealand stumper finds it baffling that the keeper-batter hasn't been picked for the upcoming World Cup starting in less than three weeks' time.
Australia host the next T20 World Cup in 2028 but will be eyeing a bigger prize a few months before that when cricket is reintroduced to the Olympics in LA.
Aiden Markram and Mitchell Santner's individual performances could potentially decide the outcome of the T20 World Cup semi-final on Wednesday.
Former New Zealand player Ian Smith put down the Shubman Gill-led India's recent red ball struggles at home to their diminishing ability against spin.
Zimbabwe faces South Africa in their final Super 8 match of the T20 World Cup, aiming to improve their bowling and challenge the in-form Proteas.
Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal progressed to the FA Cup quarter-finals after victories over Newcastle United, Wrexham and Mansfield Town respectively on Saturday.
James Milner sets a new Premier League record with his 654th appearance as Brighton beat Brentford 2-0, surpassing Gareth Barry's mark.
ICC have announced the list of officials for the Super 8s, starting with New Zealand-Pakistan duel in Group 2 on Saturday, February 21.
© 2026 Rediff.com - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Sitemap - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances