Alex Carey delivered a memorable performance on Day 1 of the 3rd Ashes Test in Adelaide, scoring a brilliant counter-attacking 106 to swing momentum back in Australia’s favour after an early batting collapse. The wicketkeeper’s innings not only revived the hosts but also became the centre of a major DRS controversy that sparked debate late into the day.

Coming in with Australia under pressure, Carey showed composure and intent, combining sharp strokeplay with calculated aggression. His century proved pivotal in stabilising the innings and frustrating England’s bowlers on a day that otherwise belonged to the visitors early on.

DRS drama overshadows Alex Carey’s century

England review denied despite Snicko murmur

Carey’s knock, however, was not without controversy. During his innings, England appealed for a caught-behind dismissal after a delivery from Josh Tongue, with wicketkeeper Jamie Smith also convinced there was an edge. On-field umpire Ahsan Raza turned down the appeal, prompting England to opt for a review.

While Snicko showed a faint sound, the third umpire ruled that the ball had not passed close enough to the bat to confirm an edge. As a result, Carey was given a reprieve – a decision that left England visibly frustrated.

Controversy in #TheAshes as human error with Snicko saves Alex Carey… and his century 👀 pic.twitter.com/VXxqmNPb6N

— Cricket on TNT Sports (@cricketontnt) December 17, 2025

Alex Carey admits he hit the ball

The debate intensified after Carey’s post-day press conference, where the Australian admitted that he had indeed made contact with the ball on the disputed delivery.

“I thought there was a bit of a feather or some sort of noise when it passed the bat,” Carey said. “If I was given out, I think I would have reviewed it. Probably not confidently though. It was a nice sound as it went past the bat.”

Carey’s candid admission added fuel to discussions around the accuracy and reliability of the Decision Review System in high-stakes Test matches.

BBG Sports accept responsibility for Snicko error

Technology provider BBG Sports, which operates the Snickometer system, later acknowledged that a human error was responsible for the incorrect decision. In a statement issued to BBC Sport, the company explained that the wrong stump microphone had been selected during audio processing.

“Given that Alex Carey admitted he had hit the ball in question, the only conclusion that can be drawn is that the Snicko operator at the time selected the incorrect stump mic,” the statement read. “In light of this, BBG Sports takes full responsibility for the error.”

Also READ: Ashes 2025/26 – Fans erupt as Alex Carey lights up Adelaide Oval with magnificent ton on Day 1 of third Test

The microphone used was reportedly from the non-striker’s end, leading to inaccurate audio interpretation.

DRS protocols under scrutiny in WTC match

Host broadcaster supplies review technology

The incident has once again brought DRS protocols under the microscope, particularly in World Test Championship (WTC) matches where the system is mandatory. For the Adelaide Test, the review technology was supplied by the host broadcaster, Fox Cricket, as per ICC regulations.

While the error did not violate playing conditions, it raised concerns about operational checks and the margin for error in crucial moments of elite cricket.

Also WATCH: Zak Crawley takes a one-handed blinder to dismiss Travis Head on Day 1 of Adelaide Test

The government on Wednesday said it has simplified and streamlined the visa process for Indian companies seeking to bring in foreign professionals, including engineers and technical experts, whose services are required for production-related activities such as machine installation, quality checks, training and plant design.The move is expected to benefit domestic firms that import machinery from overseas, including from countries such as China, and have faced delays in securing visas for foreign experts whose technical support is required.The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) said it has launched an online module that allows Indian companies to digitally generate sponsorship letters for inviting foreign professionals under the e-Production Investment Business Visa, also known as the e-B-4 Visa.The module, launched on November 29, is part of a broader set of reforms under the business visa regime aimed at improving the ease of doing business, DPIIT said. As of now, 129 sponsorship letters have been generated by Indian companies through the new system.An official said the earlier process was “cumbersome and lengthy”, and the new digital platform will significantly reduce the time taken for companies to secure e-visas for foreign experts. “Business visitors were coming to India earlier also but now the visa process has been streamlined and simplified. It is much structured now,” the official said.Foreign professionals will use the digitally generated sponsorship letters to apply for visas and visit Indian manufacturing facilities to offer their services. The official added that the time taken to grant visas will now be “significantly shorter”.The facility is available to both production-linked incentive (PLI) beneficiary firms and non-PLI companies. In August 2025, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a circular to address issues related to employment visas, business visas and e-PLI business visas.Under that circular, two categories of activities earlier covered under the employment visa — foreign nationals coming for installation and commissioning of equipment as part of supply contracts, and those paid fees or royalties by Indian companies — were shifted to the business visa regime.“Further, a new sub-category of Production Investment Visa has been created under the Business Visa regime and called the B-4 Visa for enabling foreign subject matter specialists/ engineers/ technical people being engaged by Indian companies,” DPIIT said.The department said the experts may be engaged for installation and commissioning, quality checks and essential maintenance, production, IT ramp-up, training, supply chain development for vendor empanelment, plant design and bring-up, as well as visits by senior management and executives for production investment activities. “Moreover, the existing e-PLI business visa was dispensed with,” it added.The Production Investment Visa will now be issued as an e-visa through the online visa portal. To facilitate applications, Indian companies are required to generate sponsorship letters digitally through the National Single Window System (NSWS).DPIIT said it launched the e-Production Investment Business registration module on NSWS on November 29, which can be used by both PLI and non-PLI businesses. “Processes have been streamlined with simpler forms, and the recommendation requirement of the Line Ministry has been done away with,” it said.The department added that auto-population of data and authentication through existing databases such as the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and the GST Network have eliminated the need for line ministry approvals. The unique ID generated with each sponsorship letter will be cited by the foreign professional while applying for an e-visa, with the system integrated with NSWS through an application programming interface.

Silver prices on Wednesday breached the Rs 2 lakh-per-kilogram mark in the national capital for the first time, driven by strong demand in domestic and overseas markets, according to the All India Sarafa Association, PTI reported.The white metal surged Rs 7,300 to hit an all-time high of Rs 2,05,800 per kg, compared with the previous close of Rs 1,98,500 per kg.“Silver continued its ascent with prices touching record high levels in the domestic markets as the white metal surged to hit a new peak in the international markets,” Dilip Parmar, Research Analyst, HDFC Securities, said.So far this year, silver prices have jumped by Rs 1,15,300, or 127.40%, from Rs 90,500 per kg recorded on January 1, 2025.In the local bullion market, gold prices also edged higher, rising Rs 600 to Rs 1,36,500 per 10 grams (inclusive of all taxes), against the previous close of Rs 1,35,900 per 10 grams, the association said.Renisha Chainani, Head – Research at Augmont, said the US dollar index has slipped to a two-month low, making dollar-priced bullion more affordable for overseas buyers.In the international markets, spot gold climbed $18.59, or 0.43%, to $4,321.06 per ounce.“Spot gold is trading with a gain of around 0.4% at $4,320 per ounce as traders await the US Consumer Price Index (CPI) data to be released on Thursday,” Praveen Singh, Research Analyst, Mirae Asset ShareKhan, said.Echoing similar views, Parmar said gold prices are hovering near record highs as investors track escalating geopolitical tensions in Venezuela. He added that markets are also watching for signals of further monetary easing after the US Federal Reserve’s third consecutive rate cut last week, which supports non-interest-bearing assets. Investment demand from both retail and institutional investors is expected to remain strong, potentially pushing prices higher, he said.Meanwhile, spot silver in overseas trade crossed the $66-per-ounce level for the first time, jumping $2.77, or 4.35%, to a fresh record of $66.52 per ounce.“Silver extended its remarkable rally, breaking above the $66 per ounce level for the first time on record, driven by a combination of tight physical supply conditions, rising safe-haven demand, strong inflows into silver-backed ETFs, and growing expectations of US Federal Reserve rate cuts,” Kaynat Chainwala, AVP – Commodity Research, Kotak Securities, said, PTI quoted.Chainwala added that momentum has been amplified by reports that China plans to restrict silver exports from 2026, which could disrupt a key supply source. “With Chinese silver inventories already at their lowest levels in a decade, any export curbs risk worsening the physical squeeze, reinforcing the bullish narrative and potentially sustaining elevated prices in the near term,” she said.During the year, silver prices have climbed $36.96, or 125.05%, from $29.55 per ounce on January 2, 2025. Chainwala noted that silver’s rally has outpaced gold, gaining over 120% year-to-date, reflecting a historic squeeze driven by tight supply, rising lease rates and stronger demand linked to silver’s growing role in the global green energy transition.

India’s top men’s doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty produced a remarkable comeback to defeat Olympic silver medallists Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang in their opening Group B match at the BWF World Tour Finals on Wednesday. The world No. 3 Indian duo, the only representatives from the country at the season-ending event, overturned an early setback and even saved a match point to register a hard-fought 12-21, 22-20, 21-14 victory over the world No. 5 Chinese combination. Reflecting on the match, Chirag admitted the slow start. “In the first game we didn’t start off that well. Credit to them actually, they kept putting a lot of pressure on us and didn’t really let us get into the game. But I think in the second game onwards we knew we wanted to start on a good note, be as aggressive as possible and that’s what we did,” he said. Satwik and Chirag entered the contest trailing 3-7 in head-to-head meetings against Liang and Wang, and the opening game followed that script. Short, fast rallies dominated, with both pairs relying on attacking drives and sharp smashes. After being level at 7-7, the Chinese pair took control with a burst of points, capitalising on net interceptions and forcing errors to seal the first game comfortably in just 13 minutes. The second game saw a noticeable shift in momentum. Despite falling behind early again, the Indians began varying pace more effectively and used flatter lifts to disrupt their opponents. A series of long, gruelling rallies helped them claw back, and they edged ahead at the interval with improved aggression from Satwik. China fought back strongly and even earned a match point at 19-18, but Satwik and Chirag held their nerve. They saved the match point, forced errors from Liang, and capitalised on a moment of confusion to clinch the game, Chirag finishing it off with a decisive jump smash. The decider was tightly contested in the early stages, with neither side able to pull away. Liang and Wang briefly held the advantage, but the Indians responded with fierce body smashes and sharper interceptions. Signs of pressure began to show in the Chinese camp as service and net errors crept in, while Satwik and Chirag grew in confidence. From 13-10 onwards, the Indian pair took firm control, unleashing sustained attacks to move clear. They earned seven match points after another Chinese error, and although one was saved, the contest ended when Liang and Wang went wide, sealing a memorable comeback win for the Indians. The Asian Games champions, who have finished runners-up at the Hong Kong Open and China Masters earlier this year, now face another tough challenge against Indonesia’s Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Shohibul Fikri on Thursday as they look to build on an impressive start to their campaign.

India’s pension regulator has relaxed exit and withdrawal norms under the National Pension System (NPS), giving non-government subscribers greater flexibility over their retirement savings and extending the investment horizon to age 85, PTI reported.Under the revised rules, non-government NPS subscribers will now be allowed to withdraw up to 80% of their accumulated pension wealth at the time of exit, up from the earlier limit of 60%, with only 20% required to be deployed towards annuity purchase, the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) said.The changes are part of the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (Exits and Withdrawals under the National Pension System) (Amendment) Regulations, 2025, dated December 12, 2025, which will come into effect upon publication in the official Gazette.“The subscriber shall have the right to seek financial assistance from a regulated financial institution to the extent permitted…and for which purpose, the subscriber may make any assignment, pledge, contract, order, sale or security of any kind with respect to any benefit receivable under the National Pension System in favour of the lender,” PFRDA said.Higher withdrawal flexibility, loan access addedIn another major shift, the regulator has allowed NPS accounts to be pledged as collateral for loans from regulated financial institutions, within limits prescribed by PFRDA. This move is expected to enhance liquidity options for subscribers without forcing premature exits.Further, if the total pension corpus at exit is less than Rs 8 lakh, non-government subscribers will have the option to withdraw the entire amount as a lump sum or opt for periodic payouts through systematic withdrawals or other PFRDA-approved mechanisms.The regulator has also increased the number of partial withdrawals allowed during the subscription period from three to four, with a mandatory gap of four years between each withdrawal. After attaining the age of 60, partial withdrawals will be permitted up to three times, with a minimum gap of three years.Exit age raised to 85 across categoriesA key reform under the amended rules is the extension of the maximum exit age from 70 to 85 years for non-government subscribers. Government sector subscribers will also now be allowed to remain invested until age 85, up from the earlier limit of 75 years.For government employees opting for normal exit, the existing structure remains unchanged: 60% of the accumulated pension wealth (APW) can be withdrawn, while 40% must be used to purchase an annuity. The 60% withdrawal can be taken either as a lump sum or through systematic withdrawals.However, in cases of premature exit by government employees due to resignation, removal or dismissal, 80% of the APW must be mandatorily annuitised, with only the remaining portion available for lump-sum withdrawal.If the total APW is Rs 5 lakh or less, full withdrawal in lump sum will continue to be permitted across normal exit, premature exit, or exit due to death.Greater freedom for retirement planningBy lowering the mandatory annuity requirement for private subscribers to 20% and expanding withdrawal and investment options, PFRDA said the revised framework aims to offer greater autonomy and flexibility to subscribers in managing their retirement savings.Under the amended regulations, subscribers across government, non-government and NPS-Lite categories can remain invested in the NPS up to age 85, unless they choose to exit earlier under the prescribed conditions, the regulator added.

The Kansas City Chiefs’ 2025 season came crashing down in the most painful way possible, and Travis Kelce finally put words to the emotion many in the locker room were feeling. After a Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers eliminated Kansas City from playoff contention, the night grew even heavier with the confirmation that Patrick Mahomes had suffered a season-ending ACL injury.Speaking on the latest episode of the New Heights podcast with his brother Jason, Kelce delivered an unfiltered and emotional reaction to watching his longtime quarterback and closest on-field partner go down.

A moment that stunned the Chiefs locker room

Kelce described the moment Mahomes was injured as surreal, admitting it took time to process what had just happened. The veteran tight end said seeing Mahomes fall on a “freakish play” was one of the toughest moments he has experienced in his career.“It was almost like it wasn’t real,” Kelce said, adding that the injury “just sucks” given how much Mahomes puts into the game every single week. Kelce repeatedly emphasized the work ethic and toughness that have defined Mahomes’ rise, calling him the “face of the franchise” and a leader who gives everything for the team.For a Chiefs offense that has revolved around the Mahomes-Kelce connection for nearly a decade, the injury felt symbolic of a season that steadily slipped away.

Travis Kelce backs Patrick Mahomes to rise again

Despite the disappointment, Kelce made it clear he has no doubts about Mahomes’ ability to return at full strength. He described the quarterback as a “fearless warrior” and expressed confidence that Mahomes will attack rehab with the same intensity he brings to the field.Kelce pointed out that Mahomes has battled through adversity throughout his career, and he expects this challenge to be no different. While the timeline for Mahomes’ return stretches into the 2026 season, Kelce believes the setback will only add to his quarterback’s story.The loss to the Chargers marked the Chiefs’ first missed postseason since 2014, a stunning outcome for a franchise that has dominated the AFC for much of the past decade. For Kelce, the emotional weight of the moment extended beyond a single game.Kansas City now faces a difficult final stretch without its quarterback, with games remaining against the Titans, Broncos, and Raiders. More importantly, the franchise heads into the offseason with unfamiliar questions surrounding health, aging stars, and direction.For now, Kelce’s focus remains clear. The season may be lost, but his respect and loyalty to Mahomes and the bond they’ve built remains unshaken.Also Read: Patrick Mahomes’ family wealth: How rich is the Chiefs star’s inner circle?

The cricketing world was set ablaze at the IPL 2026 mini-auction, but amidst the big names and international stars, it was a 19-year-old from Rajasthan who stole the headlines and shattered records. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – renowned for their shrewd acquisitions – made an audacious move, shelling out a staggering ₹14.20 crore for wicketkeeper-batter Kartik Sharma, making him the joint-most expensive uncapped player in IPL history. This life-changing sum not only eclipses his ₹30 lakh base price by a monumental margin but also heralds the arrival of a potential future superstar.

The uncapped sensation: Who is Kartik Sharma?

Born on April 26, 2006, Kartik is a right-handed wicketkeeper-batter who hails from the vibrant cricketing landscape of Rajasthan. At just 19, his aggressive batting style, particularly his penchant for clearing the ropes, has already earned him a formidable reputation in domestic circles. Before the auction, he was a name whispered among scouts, but after it, he is the name on every fan’s lips. His journey from local grounds to the grand stage of the IPL is a testament to raw talent, relentless hard work, and perhaps, a touch of destiny.

The auction frenzy: CSK’s daring bid

The bidding war for Kartik was arguably the most captivating segment of the mini-auction. Starting from his modest base price of ₹30 lakh, franchises like Mumbai Indians, Lucknow Super Giants, and Kolkata Knight Riders quickly joined the fray, recognizing the untapped potential. As the price soared past the ₹5 crore mark, the competition intensified. It was a fierce battle between Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad, with both teams determined to secure the young talent. Ultimately, CSK’s persistent pursuit, backed by their tactical acumen, saw them clinch the deal for an eye-watering ₹14.20 crore. This move signals CSK’s continued faith in nurturing young, explosive Indian talent, a strategy that has often paid dividends for the Yellow Army.

Also READ: IPL 2026 Auction: Complete list of sold players with their price

Key facts about Kartik

• Kartik hails from the Bharatpur district of Rajasthan.
• His father, Manoj Sharma, was a school teacher who left his job over a decade ago to focus entirely on training Kartik. His mother, Radha, works as an anganwadi worker.
• He made a massive statement in red-ball cricket by scoring 113 on his Ranji Trophy debut for Rajasthan against Uttarakhand during the 2024–25 season.
• He became only the third Indian man to record a century on both his First Class and List A debuts.
• At age five, his father took him to train at the academy run by Lokendra Singh Chahar (father of Deepak and Rahul Chahar) in Agra.
• Signed by CSK for ₹14.20 crore, he shares the record for the highest price ever paid for an uncapped Indian player with his teammate Prashant Veer.

Also READ: IPL 2026 Auction: Fans erupt as CSK signs Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma at record prices; making them joint most expensive uncapped players