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    Sophie Devine Wins Internet with Heart-Warming Gesture Over Injured Kid

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    Sophie Devine
    Sophie Devine

    New Zealand’s Sophie Devine slammed the fastest women’s T20 century during the Super Smash T20 on Thursday.

    Sophie Devine records Fastest Women’s T20 century

    The New Zealand all-rounder smacked a 36-ball hundred while playing for Wellington Blaze against Otago Sparks, as she went past the previous record, held by Deandra Dottin of the Windies, who had done so in 38 deliveries.

    Heart Warming gesture from Devine 

    However, during her innings, the Kiwi batswoman nearly hit a little girl on her cheek with one of her sixes. However, videos showed that the girl barely avoided a severe injury, as the ball brushed her cheeks. Respect Respect Respect …more worried about the kid instead of celebrating her century

    In a heartwarming gesture, Devine walked up to the fan, sat alongside to check on her and even posed for a photograph.

    The innings included nine fours and the same number of sixes as Wellington won the contest by 10 wickets.

    Devine then needed no second invitation to blast the three-time defending champions to another quick finish, muscling 59 off 26 balls opening the batting, with the Blaze going on to reach their target with 6.4 overs to spare, and send themselves six points clear at the head of the ladder.

    Post-match interview with Devine 

    Meanwhile, reflecting on her swashbuckling innings, Devine spoke to stuff.co.nz and said, “Whenever you have an extended break away for the game, you get nervous about ‘Can you come back into it?’ so it was nice to spend some time in the middle and get a few out of the screws.

    “For me, it was just about playing smart cricket,” she added.

    “To know where my gaps were, trying to manipulate the field … I felt I knew where they were trying to bowl so if I could manipulate myself around the crease, open up areas of the field so yeah, pleased with the way it went today

    “I think sometimes I get a little bit carried away … and I get a bit over-eager and play some rash shots, so it was nice to stick to some decent cricket shots today and finish the job.”

    Also read: Ravindra Jadeja and Sarah Taylor Conversation: Late Night Twitter Chat

    Hardik Pandya Father Passed Away Due to Cardiac Arrest

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    Hardik Pandya Father passed away
    Hardik Pandya Father passed away

    Himanshu, father of Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya has passed away on Saturday after cardiac arrest.

    Hardik Pandya father passed Away

    Hardik and Krunal have often spoken about their parents’ contribution in supporting their careers as professional cricketers.

    According to Hardik, Himanshu was running a small car finance business in Surat but he shut it down and moved to Vadodara to help his sons get better access to training facilities.

    Krunal Pandya has left the bubble in order to be with his family and as a result, he would not be playing for Baroda in the ongoing Indian T20 tournament.

    “Yes, Krunal Pandya has left the bubble. It is a personal tragedy, Baroda Cricket Association mourns this loss of Hardik and Krunal,” Baroda Cricket Association CEO Shishir Hattangadi told ANI.

    Himanshu View on Pandya brothers

    “Whenever I speak about Hardik and Krunal, I cannot control my tears and that they have done so well is God’s gift. Our intentions of letting them play cricket from a very young age was questioned and criticized by many relatives. But we were not willing to change our plans, and it is great to see what they have achieved now,” Himanshu Pandya had told MI TV in an interview.

    Krunal Leads Baroda in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2021

    Meanwhile, Krunal Pandya was leading Baroda in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2021 campaign in Vadodara. Pitching in with all-round performances (4 wickets and 77 runs from 2 innings), Krunal had lead Baroda to the top of Elite C Group with 3 wins from as many games.

    Hardik prepares for the upcoming England series

    Hardik did not choose to play Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy as he had begun preparations for the limited-overs series against England. He had returned to India last month after the limited-overs series in Australia.

    During the break between the series, Hardik had been spending time with his wife Natasa Stankovic and their newborn.

    BCCI Announced the Deadline for the IPL 2021 New Players Registration

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    IPL 2021
    IPL trophy

    BCCI CEO Hemang Amin set February 4 as the deadline for the Registration of new players to get enrolled for the IPL 2021 Auction. Earlier BCCI insists franchises to finalise the retained players list before January 20.

    IPL 2021 New Players Registration

    Indian players without a contract but who wish to be a part of the auction will need to fill the player auction agreement and submit it online on February 4 by 5 pm.

    BCCI plans to host the IPL 2021 Auction in the mid of February with league matches between March-April.

    IPL COO and interim BCCI CEO Hemang Amin sent an email to state associations explaining the process through which an Indian player – whether capped or uncapped – must register to participate in the 2021 edition of the league. The process isn’t applicable for players with a contract or who may get an extension prior to the auction.

    “When the above registration is initiated by the state association, it will generate an email to the player with their login details so they can complete the registration process. Once registered, in order to express their interest in playing in the IPL 2021, the player should login to the online registration system,” read the mail.

    “They will be required to complete all the fields and download and complete the IPL 2021 Player Auction Agreement. Once completed, the agreement must be uploaded back to the online registration system and the original sent or delivered to their respective state association. Please note physical signature of player is required on original auction agreement.”

    BCCI will be in touch with state bodies

    Amin also made it clear that the BCCI will not be dealing with any player agent or manager and all dealings will be done with the state bodies.

    “Please note that, at this stage of the process, BCCI will only deal directly with the state associations and at no time will have any communication with player agents or managers. Any failure by a player to abide by this will (unless BCCI in its sole discretion decides otherwise) result in the player’s name being withdrawn with immediate effect from the IPL 2021 Auction Register and/or IPL 2021 Auction List (as appropriate),” he explained.

    “An Indian U19 player may only register for the IPL 2021 Player Auction if the player is registered as a player with a State Association and has played in at least one match in either First Class cricket or List A cricket. For the 2021 Season, a U19 player is one who was born on or after 1 April 2002,” the mail said.

    “Any uncapped player who has retired from domestic cricket can only submit his auction agreement for player registration after getting written approval from BCCI.”

    Also read: List of Players Released, Retained and New Signings of MI in IPL 2021 Auction

     

    T Natarajan Makes Unique Record with Test Debut

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    T Natarajan
    T Natarajan

    Indian cricketer T Natarajan becomes the first Indian player to make the debut in all three formats in the same tour.

    Natarajan- first Indian player to debut in all three formats on the same tour

    Natarajan made his international debut in the third ODI against Australia on December 2 in Canberra, which India won by 13 runs. Nattu made an immediate impact by taking two wickets for 70 runs from his 10 overs in his debut ODI match.

    T Natarajan
    T Natarajan

    Natarajan then played his part in India’s 2-1 series win in the subsequent three-match T20 International rubber by taking six wickets during the series.

    In his fabulous tour, he crossed another milestone by making his debut in Test format. In addition to this T Natarajan becomes the first Indian cricketer to make the debut in all 3 formats on same tour.

    Initially, Nattu has roped in as the net bowler for the Indian cricket team. After Indian star bowlers faces back-to-back injuries without an option Nattu has been dragged into the playing XI for the 4th Test vs Australia.

    BCCI and SRH applause Natarajan

    “Presenting the first Indian player to make his international debut across all 3 formats in the same tour, @Natarajan_91! #AUSvIND #OrangeArmy #KeepRising,” SRH tweeted from its official account.

    “The stuff dreams are made of. A perfect treble for @Natarajan_91 as he is presented with #TeamIndia’s Test Billed cap No. 300. It can’t get any better! Natu is now an all-format player. #AUSvIND,” the BCCI tweeted.

    ICC congrats Natarajan

    “Welcome to Test cricket … Thangarasu Natarajan becomes the first Indian player to make his International debut across all three formats during the same tour,” the ICC tweeted.

    BBL 2020: Hobart Hurricanes vs Sydney Thunder Highlights | ST Won by 39 Runs

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    Hobart Hurricanes vs Sydney Thunder Highlights
    Hobart Hurricanes vs Sydney Thunder Highlights

    BBL 2020 Hobart Hurricanes vs Sydney Thunder Highlights: Both the team lock their horns to play the 31st league match of BBL 2020.

    Match: Hobart Hurricanes vs Sydney Thunder,

    Venue: Perth Stadium, Perth

    Toss Details: Hobart Hurricanes won the toss and opt to bowl

    Also read: BBL 2020 Points table

    Playing XI

    Hobart Hurricanes

    Ben McDermott(w), D Arcy Short, Dawid Malan, Colin Ingram, Tim David, Peter Handscomb(c), Johan Botha, Nathan Ellis, Scott Boland, Nick Winter, Sandeep Lamichhane.

    Sydney Thunder

    Usman Khawaja, Alex Hales, Callum Ferguson(c), Sam Billings(w), Alex Ross, Ben Cutting, Nathan McAndrew, Chris Green, Arjun Nair, Adam Milne, Tanveer Sangha.

    BBL 2020 Hobart Hurricanes vs Sydney Thunder Highlights

    Sydney Thunder Batting

    Khawaja and Hales get into the crease to lead Sydney Thunder. While Winter opens the bowling attack for the Hobart Hurricanes.

    Sydney Thunder needs to build a massive opening partnership in order to increase the winning ratio. As expected Khawaja and Hales made an impressive opening partnership by adding 50 run stands for the Sydney Thunder.

    Hobart Hurricanes bowlers struggle to make the first breakthrough as the Thunder reached 57 runs for no wicket loss at the end of the 6 overs. D Arcy Short in the 7th over makes the first wicket for Hurricanes by dismissing Hales for 21 runs.

    In the next over of the first wicket, Lamichhane makes another blow by dismissing Ferguson for 1 run. In the very next over D Arcy Short makes another wicket under his name by dismissing Billings for 1 run.

    With back to back wickets, Sydney Thunder scored 74 runs for 3 wickets loss at the end of the 10 overs. D Arcy Short makes a massive wicket by dismissing Khawaja for 49 runs.

    With another wicket fall, Sydney Thunder scored 167 runs for 5 wickets loss at the end of the 20 overs.

    Hobart Hurricanes Batting

    McDermott and D Arcy Short get into the crease to lead Hobart Hurricanes to chase 168 runs. While Arjun Nair opens the attack on behalf of Sydney Thunder.

    Not like Sydney Thunder, Hobart Hurricanes made the first wicket while Hobart Hurricanes scored 36 runs. McAndrew in the 5th over dismissed D Arcy Short for 19 runs and makes the first blow for Hobart Hurricanes. In the same over McAndrew dismissed McDermott for 22 runs and loads pressure over Hurricanes.

    Peter Handscomb and Dawid Malan join hands and lead Hobart for the second wicket partnership. At the end of the 10th over Hobart scored 77 runs for 2 wickets loss. Sydney Thunder seeks to break the partnership in order to restrict the run flow.

    Chris Green in the 12th over dismissed Malan for 20 runs and breaks the partnership. Hobart Hurricanes start to lose wickets in back to back overs and lose all 8 wickets while scoring 128 runs.

    At the end of 20 overs, Hobart Hurricanes scored 128 runs and lose the match by 39 runs.

    Watch BBL 2020 Hobart Hurricanes vs Sydney Thunder Highlights

    Player of the match 

    Nathan McAndrew

    Azharuddeen Smashed 37 ball Century and Seals Victory for Kerala

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    Mohammed Azharuddeen
    Mohammed Azharuddeen

    Mohammed Azharuddeen who plays for Kerala in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy scripts a record by scoring the fastest century in just 37 deliveries. Azharuddeen’s 37 ball century helps his side to eclipse a 197-run target inside 16 overs against Mumbai

    In the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Kerala faces Mumbai on 13-01-2021 at Wankhede Stadium.

    Azharuddeen records the fastest Century for Kerala

    Batting at first Mumbai scored a massive 196 runs for 5 wickets loss. Under-19 star Yashasvi Jaiswal along with Aditya Tare helped Mumbai get off to a brisk start as the pair added 88 in the first ten overs.

    While no batsmen from Mumbai were able to breach the 50-run mark but valuable contributions from team skipper Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, and others helped Mumbai post a gigantic 196/7 after 20 overs.

    For Kerala Jalaj Saxena and KM Asif scalped three wickets each, while MD Nidheesh picked one. S Sreesanth, playing his second match after returning from a seven-year ban, conceded 47 runs from his 4 overs.

    Kerala’s Robin Uthappa and Mohammed Azharuddeen get into the crease to chase down the massive target.

    Robin returns to Pavillion after scoring 33 runs while Azharuddeen makes an unbelievable inning by scoring 37 ball century to paves the way for Kerala’s victory. Mohammed Azharuddeen is the 1st player to score a century for Kerala in Twenty20 cricket.

    Azharuddeen remained unbeaten on 137 off 54 balls, smashing 10 sixes and 9 fours. It was the second fastest century in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy history, with Rishabh Pant’s 32-ball ton in 2018 being the fastest.

    Azharudden named after Indian ‘Idol’

    When he was born in 1994, his parents had initially thought of a different name, but it was his elder brother Kamarudden, who named him Azharudden – after his ‘idol’ Mohammad Azharuddin – who was then the India captain.

    And for the obvious reasons, ever since his age-group cricket days, the youngster would be referred to as ‘Azhar in the making’.

    Watch Azharuddeen’s 37 ball century

     

    Tim Paine Apologise for his Sledging Action in the 3rd Test vs India

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    Paine sledges Ashwin
    Paine sledges Ashwin

    Australian skipper Tim Paine apologise for his action in the 3rd Test vs India. On the final day of the 3rd Test, India’s Ashwin and Viahri made an unbreakable partnership which leads India to stay alive in the series as the match ends in draw.

    In order to make a diversion Australian skipper Tim Paine tries to sledge R Ashwin. Both of them had a heated argument during the match but Ashwin slams back and continued to bat.

    Tim Paine apologise 

    Paine starts to receive negative feedback for his inappropriate action. Post the scenario, Tim Paine apologise for his action onfield.

    Tim Paine and Ashwin seems normal post the match completion
    Tim Paine and Ashwin seems normal post the match completion

    “I am someone who prides myself on the way I lead this team and yesterday was a poor reflection. I let the pressure affect me. I think I felt short of my own expectations. I said to our players yesterday I have had a poor game as a leader. I let our group down. I am human. I want to apologise for the mistakes I made. My leadership wasn’t good enough. It’s not the way I want to lead this team.” said Paine.

    The Aussie skipper had said before the third Test that things were ‘going to boil over the surface’ in Sydney. His verbal altercation with Ravichandran Ashwin on Day 5 reminded one of that. However, Paine clarified he had tried to address the issue soon after the game with the Indian off-spinner.

    “I spoke to him (Ashwin) really quickly after the game yesterday, as I said to him, look I ended up looking a fool, didn’t I? You open your mouth and then you drop a catch and had a bit of laugh about that and everything was fine,” explained Paine, who grassed three chances in India’s second innings.

    Several former cricketers condemned Paine’s conduct in the third Test with former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar even going to the extent of saying he won’t be surprised if there was a change of guard in Australian cricket.

    However, Paine made it clear that he has not even given it a thought.

    “When you perform, like the way I did, you expect criticism. The intensity of the series took myself out of my character. Yesterday, there was a blip on the radar. The important thing is to reflect where I went wrong,” Paine acknowledged.

    Though he will not admit it, Paine knows his job is on the line. An unfavourable Gabba result will confirm his fears.

    Nathan Lyon Claims Racial Abuse Over Siraj as “Quite Disgusting”

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    Nathan Lyon
    Nathan Lyon

    Australian cricketer Nathan Lyon mentions the racial abuse over Siraj as “quite disgusting”. In the 3rd test match of Australia vs India, Indian bowler Mohammad Siraj has been racially abused by the audience in the SCG.

    Nathan Lyon on Racial Abuse over Siraj

    Earlier Australian cricketer David Warner express his distress over the racial abuse on Indian players. Following him, Nathan Lyon too feels disrespectful over the racial abuse on Indian players.

    “There is no room for any racial sledges or any abuse in any type. People think they are being funny, but it can affect people in different ways. For me, cricket is the sport for all and there is no room for it at all,” Lyon said during a virtual press conference.

    “If the time is right to call in match officials you do it. We have got a lot of security around the ground these days and if there is anyone doing it then they can be removed, as there is absolutely no place for it. It well may set precedence to report issues to officials.”

    Australian fans Abused Siraj 

    While fielding at the square-leg boundary, Siraj was allegedly called “monkey” and “brown dog” over two days by some spectators, who were removed by security guards after the matter was reported to the on-field umpires.

    “I think it’s quite disgusting to be honest. Yes, I’ve been on the other end of it, coping abuse, whether that’s England, New Zealand, South Africa or wherever it may be. But there’s no room for it. As a player you’ve got to try your best to block it out,” Lyon said.

    He feels that players would now have the option of stopping play and call out their abusers in the stands.

    “It well may do (set precedence to report issues to officials). It will be up to that player and how they have been affected.

    “I just really hope in a whole world society, we can get over it and people can come to watch us play cricket, with players not going to work and not be worried about being abused or racially abused,” the country’s experienced spinner said.

    The Australian players had supported their Indian counterparts after the incidents with skipper Tim Paine even joining the visiting team huddle after Siraj’s complaints on the fourth day of the drawn match.

    The four-match series is currently tied 1-1 with the fourth Test scheduled to be held here from Friday.

    David Warner Apologises to Mohammad Siraj for Being Racially Abused

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    David Warner
    David Warner

    Australia cricketer David Warner apologises to Mohammed Siraj and Team India after they were subjected to racial abuse by spectators at the Sydney Cricket Ground during the third Test.

    The incident happened before the start of the 86th over in Australia’s second innings on Sunday when Siraj, fielding on the boundary line, went to skipper Ajinkya Rahane and raised the issue that some fans were passing abusive comments directed at him.

    Rahane then walked up to the square-leg umpire Paul Reiffel and complained about the same. While players huddled in the center, security personnel entered the stands and a group of six Australian fans were removed from their seats by New South Wales Police.

    David Warner apologises for Racial Abuse on Indian players

    In an Instagram post, Warner on Tuesday said “racism and abuse is not in any way acceptable or tolerated anywhere at any time” and added that he would “expect better” from the home crowd.

    Bumrah, Siraj were targets of racial abuse in Australia by the SCG crowd.
    Bumrah, Siraj were targets of racial abuse in Australia by the SCG crowd.

    “I’d also like to say sorry to Mohammed Siraj and the Indian team as racism, and abuse is not in any way acceptable or tolerated anywhere at any time, and I would expect better from our home crowd,” said the left-handed batsman.

    The third Test ended in a thrilling draw on Monday as chasing a mammoth target of 407, India reached 334/5 batting for 131 overs before both the teams decided to shake hands on the final day of the match.

    With the series tied at 1-1, the two teams will now face each other in the final Test beginning Friday at The Gabba in Brisbane.

    “It was great to be back out on the park again this week. Was not the ideal result for us but this is what Test cricket is all about. Five days of tough cricket and well done to our guys for working as hard as we could, congrats to India in the way they fought hard for the draw, and that’s why we love this game, it’s not easy,” said Warner.

    “Move onto Brisbane now for the decider and what a place the Gabba is to play at,” he added.

    Mohammad Amir Accused By Misbah-ul-Haq for His Retirement

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    Misbah-ul-Haq
    Misbah-ul-Haq

    Pakistan head coach Misbah-ul-Haq feels that senior fast bowler Mohammad Amir has “made up” circumstances with regards to his retirement from international cricket. Citing ‘mental torture’ as the reason, Mohammad Amir announced his retirement from international cricket in December 2020.

    Misbah-ul-Haq slams Mohammad Amir

    “There was talk about Waqar Younis related to Amir but there is no truth in it at all. There were six [association] coaches as selectors, me as chief selector and then there was a captain. So this is absolutely not possible, [the idea] that one person out of all could have influenced the decision,” Misbah was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.

    “Nobody was supporting his selection on the basis of performance. I have no idea why he made up everything and tried to give this whole scenario a context that is out of proportion. For him, it was a simple method: go back and prove his form and get back in the team and everything else is irrelevant.”

    Misbah also pointed out that Amir had refused to tour England last year despite the board trying the best to convince him. Amir had later informed the head coach and the bowling coach about his availability and was incorporated into the squad for the England series.

    “Amir has his own point of view and I have always respected every senior or junior cricket. I was the captain when he came back [from his five-year ban] and I had welcomed him and supported him for Pakistan, keeping everything aside,” Misbah added.

    “I remember during England tour [in 2020] I gave my everything to convince him for the tour but he didn’t go on personal ground and initially decided not to go. But then later after coming out of his personal issues he messaged me about his availability and even then me and Waqar bhai recalled him, giving him ample respect as a senior pro. But then he got injured and he also had an evident dip in his form.”

    Jasprit Bumrah Ruled Out of Final Test Against Australia

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    Bumrah
    Bumrah

    After the third Test ended in a draw, the BCCI has confirmed that Ravindra Jadeja is out of the fourth Test and a short while ago we are hearing that fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of the final Test vs Australia. However, the BCCI is yet to confirm this news.

    Bumrah is the third Indian pacer after Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav, to be injured during this series. India also lost the services of KL Rahul who was hit in ‘nets’ and subsequently forced to return home.

    Jasprit Bumrah ruled out of 4th Test vs Australia

    Under the absence of Ishant Sharma, Mohammad Shami, and Umesh Yadav, Bumrah has led this Indian pace attack in Australia. He bowled more than 100 overs in the three Tests, more than any bowler, and did create an impact.

    “Jasprit Bumrah suffered an abdominal strain while fielding in Sydney. He is going to sit out of the Brisbane Test but is expected to be available against England,” a BCCI source told PTI. 

     

    The team India management reported that Bumrah is suffering with abdominal strain but is considering to include him in the playing Eleven even with fifty percent fitness. In case Bumrah is not fit, reserve players like Natarajan and Shardul Thakur might get a chance. However, fans want Natarajan to play because he has impressed everyone in the limited over series.

    The absence of Bumrah will certainly be a huge blow but then the likes of Siraj and Navdeep Saini did their bit on getting the chance.

    There will also be concern over Ravichandran Ashwin (back) and Hanuma Vihari (hamstring) who batted through pain during the final day of the Sydney Test.

    India have one other reserve fast bowler in the squad – rookie Kartik Tyagi – who has been used as a net bowler. Tyagi, however, featured in the first warm-up fixture.

    The fourth Test will begin on January 15th in Brisbane.

    Aussies Players Sledged their Own Teammate Marnus Labuschagne

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    Marnus Labuschagne
    Marnus Labuschagne

    Apart from sledging other team players, Australian players sledged their own teammate Marnus Labuschagne in the 3rd Test vs India.

    In the 5th day of the 3rd Test match, Australian wicketkeeper Tim Paine makes an attempt to sledge R Ashwin in order to distract him. The whole incident becomes viral when the conversation has been captured by the mic stump.

    In addition to this Steve Smith rubbed the Rishabh Pant’s batsman mark. Apart from these players sledging Australian fans racially abused Siraj and Bumrah in the 3rd day of the same test match.

    Marnus Labuschagne Sledged by the Australian teammates

    “That’s gonna rag with the new rocker,” he said. “That’s gonna rag with the new ball Garry [Lyon]. You’re gonna get both wickets here, Garry.”

    This is when the Aussie fielders had had enough and said, “Shut up Marnus.

    “Don’t leave it in the sheds, Marnus” was another comment. The incident happened after Nathan Lyon managed to break the Pujara-Pant partnership.

    “It’s amazing when you get a wicket, Painey, and Marnus starts talking again,” said a close-in fielder. “You’ve got to be consistent Marnus, talk all day!”

    Australia vs India 4th Test updates

    Meanwhile, after weeks of speculations, the Brisbane Test will go ahead as planned with Cricket Australia interim chief Nick Hockley confirming that India have agreed to travel to Queensland for the final destination of their tour.

    “The fourth Test will be at the Gabba as planned,” Cricket Australia interim chief Nick Hockley said on SEN on Monday morning as quoted by Fox Cricket. “I had a call last night from the BCCI secretary and he confirmed we are good to travel to Brisbane on Tuesday,” he further added.

    The website further reports that the Brisbane Cricket Ground in Woolloongabba will allow spectators – 50 percent of the crowd capacity – with Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announcing the end of Brisbane’s three-day lockdown, after zero cases of the Covid-19 were reported in the area.

    The Queensland government announced on Monday that the three-day lockdown of greater Brisbane imposed to contain an outbreak of a more contagious strain of COVID-19 would end at 6 pm local time (0800 GMT).