The Indian women's cricket team, led by Smriti Mandhana, takes on Ireland in the first ODI of a three-match series. With the hosts coming off a series sweep against the West Indies, Mandhana and her team will look to continue their dominant form. However, Ireland's Prendergast brings valuable experience from playing in Australia and could prove to be a key player for the visitors in this highly-anticipated match.
Despite Barcelona missing key player Dani Olmo, whose playing license was revoked, young talents Gavi and Yamal stepped up to secure a 2-0 victory against Athletic Bilbao in the Spanish Super Cup semifinals. Olmo was temporarily cleared to play, but unfortunately not in time for the game. Barca's opponent in the final will be determined in the match between Real Madrid and Mallorca, with the outcome being held in Saudi Arabia. Barca coach Hansi Flick expressed his joy over the decision to allow Olmo and Pau Victor to play again, and the players were also thrilled to contribute to the win and reach the final.
After departing Manchester United and finding success at Lille, Angel Gomes may potentially make a return to his former club on a budget or even for free in the summer. The 24-year-old spent 14 years at United and was once seen as a potential first-team player, but chose to leave due to lack of playing time. Now, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season, United could secure his services once again under new head coach Ruben Amorim.
Australian pacer Scott Boland has proven to be a formidable opponent for Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli, having dismissed him four times in the series. Former Aussie batsman Mark Waugh believes that Boland has put a spell on Kohli, making it difficult for him to face the ball. With Kohli's struggle against Boland evident, it could potentially be the Indian great's last time playing Test cricket in Australia, leaving him disappointed and under immense pressure.
West Indian batting sensation Sherfane Rutherford has been nominated for the prestigious ICC Men's ODI Cricketer of the Year award for his incredible performances in 2024. Despite playing away from home, Rutherford showed his explosive batting style and impressive consistency, scoring three consecutive half-centuries against Sri Lanka, followed by a stunning 54 (36) against England and a match-winning 113 (80) against Bangladesh. With a strike rate of 107.36 and a dismissal of just one, Rutherford has proven himself as one of the most promising players in ODI cricket.
Indian wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant accused Australian opener Sam Konstas of trying to waste time during the last few minutes of playing on Friday. The heated confrontation between Indian captain Jasprit Bumrah and Konstas took place when Bumrah started his over just a few minutes before the allotted time for Stumps. Pant, who was behind the stumps, claims that he couldn't hear what was said but believes that Australia's intention was to avoid facing another Indian over. Although they were successful in doing so, Bumrah managed to get a vital wicket before Stumps was called. Fellow Australian all-rounder Beau Webster hopes that Konstas can back up his confident words with a strong performance on Saturday.
Beau Webster, who has been in great form at the Shield level, has been given the opportunity to make his debut for Australia in the fifth Test against India. This decision has been backed by former Test opener Simon Katich, who believes that Webster deserves the chance and the selectors have been consistent with their choices. This comes after out-of-form Mitchell Marsh was dropped from the playing XI. India, who are currently struggling at 95/4 in the first session of the fifth Test, will be looking to make a comeback in the match.
Team India made a surprising decision to drop their captain, Rohit Sharma, from the fifth Test against Australia at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground. With Jasprit Bumrah taking over the reins, India made another change by bringing in Shubman Gill for Akash Deep, who was suffering from back stiffness. Meanwhile, Australia announced their playing XI one day prior and are set to give Beau Webster his international debut.
The Indian cricket team has made a bold move ahead of the final Test against Australia in Sydney, dropping senior batsman Rohit Sharma from the playing XI. This decision comes after Rohit's prolonged struggles with the bat, leading to speculation about his future in Test cricket. In his absence, Jasprit Bumrah is expected to take over as captain, while KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shubman Gill will make their way back to the top order. The exclusion signifies a transition in Team India's strategy, as the team looks to end the series on a high note.
After five years of political turbulence in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is determined to lead a stable government and prioritize governance over politics in his upcoming term. He has instructed his administrative heads to prepare a 100-day plan for their respective departments, with the goal of tackling state finances and rectifying past mistakes. Fadnavis is focused on delivering a quality administration and playing the role of a calm and effective captain.