Australia’s Champions Trophy 2025 campaign has been thrown into crisis following the withdrawal of Mitchell Starc, further compounding the absence of several senior players. With Pat Cummins (ankle), Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Marsh (back), and Marcus Stoinis (retirement) all ruled out, the squad has undergone significant changes, raising concerns about its ability to compete at the highest level.

With Starc stepping away for personal reasons, Australia is set to enter an ICC event without its legendary fast-bowling trio for the first time in over a decade. The reshuffled squad now places added responsibility on untested quicks Spencer Johnson, Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, and Ben Dwarshuis, under the leadership of Steve Smith, who has been named captain in Cummins’ absence.

Major reshuffle in Australia’s squad

Starc’s decision comes after his grueling workload in the recent Test series against India and Sri Lanka, where he was the only frontline pacer to play all seven matches. His withdrawal has led to an inexperienced pace attack, with selectors turning to Johnson, Ellis, Abbott, and Dwarshuis—none of whom have played a major ICC tournament before.

The absence of Marsh and Stoinis has further disrupted the team’s balance, leaving Glenn Maxwell and Aaron Hardie to shoulder the all-rounder responsibilities. Adam Zampa and Tanveer Sangha will lead the spin attack, with Maxwell’s off-spin expected to play a crucial role in Pakistan and UAE conditions.

Leadership shift as Smith takes charge

With Cummins ruled out, Smith returns to lead the side, having previously captained Australia to a 2-0 Test series win over Sri Lanka. However, his squad lacks the experience and firepower that has made Australia a dominant force in ICC events over the years.

Despite the setbacks, the team still boasts a strong batting core, featuring Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, and Alex Carey, while Jake Fraser-McGurk and Matthew Short add depth at the top of the order.

Uncertainty looms over Australia’s Champions Trophy campaign

Australia now faces a daunting challenge as they prepare for the tournament with a heavily depleted squad. With five key players missing, concerns have been raised over the team’s ability to match up against top-ranked sides. The opening clash will serve as the first major test of how this revamped squad can adapt to the conditions and handle the pressure of an ICC tournament.

Sri Lanka have named a strong squad for their upcoming two-match ODI series against Australia, set to be played in Colombo on February 12 and 14. This series comes on the heels of their 2-0 Test series loss in the Warne-Muralidaran Trophy.

Charith Asalanka will continue as the white-ball captain, with Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, and Kusal Mendis returning to the ODI setup following their performances in the Test series.

Leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay makes his comeback to the ODI squad after impressing in the Test series, where he took three wickets and scored a half-century in his lone appearance at Galle. Nuwanidu Fernando, the young off-spinner, also returns to the 50-over format.

Sri Lanka squad for Australia ODIs:
Charith Asalanka (C), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Nishan Madushka, Nuwanidu Fernando, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Jeffrey Vandersay, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Mohamed Shiraz, Eshan Malinga.

The series will serve as crucial preparation for the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy, as Sri Lanka look to bounce back from their recent Test series defeat and fine-tune their squad for the global event.

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2023, held in India, witnessed yet another dominant performance by the hosts as they secured a 2-1 series win over Australia. This marked India’s fourth consecutive BGT series win with the same margin, showcasing their supremacy in this iconic bilateral Test series. The 2023 series was also the last time the BGT featured four matches, with plans for a revised structure in the future.

Key Highlights of the Series

1. India’s Strong Start:
   • The series opener in Nagpur saw India demolish Australia by an innings and 132 runs, setting the tone for the series.
2. Delhi Domination:
   • In the second Test in New Delhi, Rohit Sharma’s side secured a 6-wicket win, further cementing their lead in the series.
3. Australia’s Fightback:
   • In the third Test in Indore, stand-in captain Steve Smith led Australia to a commanding 9-wicket victory, as the visitors exploited a spin-friendly pitch to perfection.
4. Draw in Ahmedabad:
   • The fourth and final Test in Ahmedabad ended in a draw on a flat batting track, ensuring India retained the trophy. Despite the stalemate, India qualified for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final, thanks to New Zealand’s win over Sri Lanka in a parallel contest.

Standout Performers

• Usman Khawaja (Australia): The opener emerged as the leading run-scorer with 333 runs, including a century, showcasing consistency against India’s formidable bowling attack.
• Ravichandran Ashwin (India): The premier off-spinner was named Player of the Series for his remarkable haul of 25 wickets across four Tests, demonstrating his mastery in home conditions.

A Historic Series

The BGT 2023 added another chapter to India’s dominance in the rivalry, maintaining their unbeaten streak at home since the series began in 1996-97. With four consecutive series wins, India continues to hold the trophy, named after legendary captains Allan Border and Sunil Gavaskar.

The focus now shifts to the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, where India aims to extend their legacy in Australia.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has released a medical and fitness update regarding Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami. Despite his determined efforts to regain full fitness, Shami has been deemed unfit to participate in the remaining two Tests of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. This decision comes after a detailed assessment by the BCCI Medical Team.

Shami’s Recovery and Efforts

Shami had been recovering from right heel surgery, a process closely monitored by the BCCI Medical Team at the Centre of Excellence. He showcased promising progress, bowling 43 overs in a Ranji Trophy match against Madhya Pradesh and participating in all nine matches of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Additionally, he undertook intensive bowling sessions to build volume and prepare for the rigors of Test cricket.

Setback with Knee Swelling

However, the left-arm pacer experienced minor swelling in his left knee due to increased joint loading. The BCCI clarified that this swelling is an expected outcome of prolonged bowling loads after a layoff. Unfortunately, the medical team determined that Shami requires additional time to manage these loads safely and avoid further complications.

BCCI’s Statement

Given the current medical evaluation, the BCCI Medical Team ruled Shami out of consideration for the remaining Tests. He will continue targeted strength and conditioning programs at the Centre of Excellence to build his fitness and readiness for longer formats.

Looking Ahead

Shami’s participation in the Vijay Hazare Trophy will depend on his recovery trajectory. This marks another setback for Shami, whose return to the Indian team has been eagerly anticipated since his last appearance in the 2023 World Cup final.

The Big Cricket League (BCL) 2024-25 concluded in spectacular fashion as Irfan Pathan’s Mumbai Marines claimed their maiden title on December 22. In an electrifying final, the Marines defeated Suresh Raina’s Southern Spartans by seven wickets, capping off the league’s thrilling inaugural season.

IRFAN PATHAN 🤝 ROHIT SHARMA…!!!!

– Irfan Pathan walking with Trophy during the Celebration like Rohit Sharma after winning the Big Cricket League. pic.twitter.com/YPHJ3G07F4

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 23, 2024

Marines’ captain Irfan Pathan played a pivotal role in securing the win and celebrated the triumph with an iconic walk towards his team, a gesture reminiscent of Rohit Sharma’s celebration after India’s T20 World Cup 2024 victory against South Africa.

The Southern Spartans set a competitive target, but the Mumbai Marines, led by Pathan’s brilliant leadership and all-round performance, chased it down convincingly. Fans were delighted to witness the intense showdown between two cricketing greats, Pathan and Raina, who showcased their enduring skills on the grand stage.

The inaugural season of the BCL has been a massive success, providing fans with thrilling cricketing action and unforgettable moments. Pathan’s stylish celebration added a fitting conclusion to the season, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next edition.

After two consecutive days of intense training, the Indian cricket team will take a rest day on Monday ahead of the Boxing Day Test against Australia. Having drawn the third Test in Brisbane, the Indian players were quick to start preparations upon arriving in Melbourne, but Monday will provide them a chance to recuperate.

Meanwhile, the Australian team is set to have their first net session at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on the same day. The upcoming match is a must-win for India to keep their Border-Gavaskar Trophy hopes alive and enhance their chances of securing a spot in the World Test Championship final.

Injury concerns during training

India’s training sessions over the weekend included some injury concerns:

• KL Rahul suffered a back injury scare during a freak incident.
• Rohit Sharma, the Indian captain, was spotted with an ice pack on his knee after being struck in the nets. He was also seen using a baseball bat for specific drills to improve his fielding and batting technique.
• Pacer Akash Deep reportedly took a blow during Sunday’s session.

Despite these issues, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli led from the front, being among the first to hit the nets in Melbourne.

Fans meet their heroes

On their rest day, some lucky fans had the chance to meet the Indian cricketers at their team hotel. The playersclicked pictures with fans near the stay, taking time out of their recovery schedule to engage with supporters.

Match details

The IND vs AUS Boxing Day Test will commence on December 26 at the MCG, with a packed stadium expected to witness the crucial encounter. With the series tied at 1-1, both teams are aiming for a lead as the stakes for the WTC final continue to rise.

The upcoming Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) promises an exciting contest, with Jasprit Bumrah expected to lead India’s bowling attack on a green-top surface. The MCG’s chief curator, Matt Page, has assured fans of a pitch that will excite top bowlers and make for a thrilling spectacle.

According to Page, the pitch at the MCG has been prepared to offer pace and bounce, making it a dream for fast bowlers. While the surface won’t match the speed of Perth or Brisbane, it has improved significantly in recent years. “All the good bowlers get excited when they come here now. Over the last few years, we’ve managed to get some pace in it, which has created that excitement,” said Page. He added that the surface would also be adjusted to suit the weather conditions on match day.

Bumrah has been India’s standout performer in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, claiming 21 wickets in three Tests. His consistent performances have been instrumental in keeping Australia on the backfoot.

Bumrah’s match-by-match performance:

• 1st Test: 6/76 & 3/18
• 2nd Test: 4/61 & 0/2
• 3rd Test: 5/30 & 3/42

As India and Australia prepare for the critical fourth Test, the battle between Jasprit Bumrah and Travis Head could prove decisive. Head has been in stellar form, leading the run-scoring charts with 409 runs in the series, while Bumrah has been India’s go-to bowler for breakthroughs.

With the series tied at 1-1 and a spot in the World Test Championship final on the line, the Boxing Day Test is a must-win for India. Bumrah’s ability to exploit the green-top surface could be the defining factor in tilting the contest in India’s favor. Fans can anticipate a fiery display from India’s premier pacer as the team fights to take the lead in the series.

Australia’s cricketing future looks bright as 19-year-old Sam Konstas is set to debut in the Boxing Day Test against India. Hailing from Sydney, the young batter will become the second youngest Australian Test debutant this century, following in the footsteps of Pat Cummins. The decision comes as the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) stands evenly poised at 1-1 after three matches.

Mentored by former all-rounder Shane Watson, Konstas has quickly risen through the ranks. His breakthrough performance came during the 2023 Under-19 World Cup in South Africa, where he played a pivotal role in Australia’s championship victory. Domestically, he has impressed with 718 runs in just 11 first-class matches at an average of 42.23 for New South Wales.

Initially overlooked for Australia A, Konstas forced the selectors’ hands with a sensational 107 off 97 balls for the Prime Minister’s XI against India. Facing a formidable Indian bowling attack comprising Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, and Ravindra Jadeja, Konstas dominated, showcasing his ability to handle high-pressure situations.

Konstas replaces Nathan McSweeney in the lineup, with Usman Khawaja’s continued struggle for form also influencing the decision. This selection adds a youthful dimension to Australia’s squad, which aims to bounce back strongly in the critical Boxing Day Test.

Australia’s Squad for 4th & 5th Tests:

• Pat Cummins (c)
• Sean Abbott
• Scott Boland
• Alex Carey
• Travis Head
• Josh Inglis
• Usman Khawaja
• Sam Konstas
• Marnus Labuschagne
• Nathan Lyon
• Mitchell Marsh
• Jhye Richardson
• Steve Smith
• Mitchell Starc
• Beau Webster

The Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is crucial for both teams as they vie for a spot in the World Test Championship final. For Konstas, it is an opportunity to cement his place in the Australian setup while Australia looks to leverage his explosive batting to tilt the series in their favor.

The Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25 entered its second round on December 23, with top players competing to make a mark in the one-day format. The tournament serves as a crucial platform for Indian cricketers to secure spots in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, which is less than two months away. Established players like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shreyas Iyer, and Mohammed Shami are using the competition to fine-tune their skills ahead of international fixtures.

Top Run-Scorers in Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25

Key Highlights:

• Abhishek Porel leads the charts with a stellar knock of 170* at a strike rate of 130.76, demonstrating his dominance at the top of the order.
• Yuvraj Chaudhary follows with 151 runs, showcasing remarkable consistency and technique.
• Shreyas Iyer, batting at a blistering strike rate of 207.27, is using this platform to prepare for international assignments.

Tournament Importance:

With the ICC Champions Trophy approaching, this edition of the Vijay Hazare Trophy provides a golden opportunity for players to solidify their spots in the national team. While the core squad appears settled, standout performances in this tournament could be a game-changer for several aspirants. The second round promises more exciting cricket as players push their limits to make a mark.

=India and Australia are gearing up for the crucial Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, scheduled for December 26. With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024–25 tied at 1-1 after three Tests, the upcoming match is pivotal in determining the series’ outcome.

Here’s a look at the highest run-scorers in the series so far:

Key Performers:

• Travis Head leads the series with a remarkable 409 runs in 5 innings, including two centuries, showcasing his dominance in the middle order.
• KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal are the top Indian run-getters, contributing crucial runs at the top order.
• Nitish Kumar Reddy, the surprise package, has impressed with consistent performances, amassing 179 runs despite batting lower down the order.

India’s Strategy:

Both teams will aim for a strong first-innings total, as it has been a deciding factor in the series so far. India will look to capitalize on key players like Rahul, Jaiswal, and Reddy, while Australia’s Head and Smith will aim to counterattack.

The Boxing Day Test promises to be an exciting contest as the teams fight to take the lead in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.