Cricket Australia have ushered in the New Year with a clear statement of intent, officially naming a ‘spin-heavy’ 15-player provisional squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. With the tournament set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka starting this February, selectors have prioritized slow-bowling depth and versatility to combat the subcontinent’s expected turning tracks.

Mitchell Marsh to lead a new-look attack

Veteran all-rounder Mitchell Marsh will captain the side, continuing his leadership role in the shortest format. The squad features a fascinating blend of seasoned World Cup winners and fresh faces prepared for the heat of Asian conditions.

Perhaps the most significant tactical shift is the selection of four primary spin options. While Adam Zampa remains the undisputed leader of the slow-ball attack, he is joined by left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann and the young sensation Cooper Connolly. With all-rounders Glenn Maxwell and Matthew Short also capable of turning the ball, Australia could potentially field up to five spin options in their starting XI.

Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Tim David included despite injury concerns

In a calculated gamble, Australian selectors have named Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Tim David in the 15-man squad despite significant fitness clouds hanging over the trio. Cummins remains the biggest concern as he continues to manage a lumbar stress injury in his back; he is scheduled for a pivotal medical scan later this month that will determine if he can physically withstand the tournament’s intensity.

Meanwhile, veteran seamer Hazlewood is racing against time to recover from a combination of hamstring and Achilles issues that sidelined him for the recent Ashes series. High-stakes finisher David rounds out the injury list after sustaining a grade two hamstring strain during the BBL on Boxing Day. Chief selector George Bailey remains optimistic, stating the group is “tracking well,” but with the ICC deadline for final changes set for January 31, the medical team will be working overtime to ensure these key pillars are ready for the opening clash against Ireland on February 11.

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Mitchell Owen misses out

The announcement has not been without controversy. The most notable omission is Mitchell Owen, who was the breakout star of the 2025 season. Despite a record-breaking BBL campaign, Owen was ultimately squeezed out by the return of Cameron Green.

Furthermore, for the first time in over a decade, a T20 World Cup squad will not feature Mitchell Starc, following his retirement from the format late last year. In his place, the selectors have opted for the skill of Xavier Bartlett over a traditional left-arm replacement like Ben Dwarshuis.

Australia squad for T20 World Cup 2026: Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa

Also READ: IPL 2026: 3 players SRH can sign to replace Pat Cummins if he misses out

On the upside, MCX Gold is poised to advance toward the 140,000 level in the upcoming sessions. (AI image)

Gold and silver price prediction: Gold and silver prices are likely to maintain their bullish trend with dips and consolidation phases in between, says Abhilash Koikkara, Head – Forex & Commodities, Nuvama Professional Clients Group. He shares his views on gold and silver:

MCX Gold Outlook

MCX Gold has retreated toward its breakout zone after marking an all-time high of 140,465. With the broader trend still positive, we view this correction as a buying opportunity. As long as prices hold above the breakout support, the overall outlook for MCX Gold remains bullish.From a technical perspective, immediate support is placed around the 132,000 level, which marks the breakout from the prior swing high. Any retracement toward this area is expected to attract fresh buying interest, thereby capping near-term downside. Holding this support level keeps the bullish structure intact.On the upside, MCX Gold is poised to advance toward the 140,000 level in the upcoming sessions. This projected target is well aligned with the broader bullish trend and reflects the underlying strength of established market momentum. Furthermore, a decisive and sustained breakout above intermediate resistance level could attract additional buying interest, thereby reinforce the positive sentiment and extend the upward move further.Overall, MCX Gold is expected to maintain its positive bias unless there is a clear and decisive break below the 132,000 support level. The broader technical structure remains constructive and continues to favour trend continuation. Provided that momentum indicators and overall market sentiment continue to remain supportive, the precious metal is expected to experience further upside potential in the coming sessions.

MCX Gold Trading Strategy

MCX Silver Outlook

MCX Silver has recorded an all-time high, followed by a subsequent correction from those levels. Despite this pullback, prices continue to trade with a positive bias, and we expect consolidation around the recent highs. Such consolidation phases generally signal a temporary balance between buyers and sellers, and a breakout from the current formation may trigger an accelerated price move as momentum builds and the prevailing trend resumes.From a technical standpoint, a rebound from the support level signals renewed strength in the trend and raises the probability of further upside. As long as prices hold above the weekly support levels, the bullish bias is likely to remain intact. The immediate key support is identified near the 221,000 level, which now acts as a strong base. Any retracement toward this zone may attract fresh buying interest, helping to stabilize and sustain prices.On the upside, MCX Silver could potentially advance toward the 260,000 level in the near to medium term. This target reflects an extension of the previous bullish move and aligns with the prevailing market momentum. Overall, as long as prices remain above the 221,000 support, MCX Silver is expected to sustain its positive trajectory, with additional upside possible as bullish sentiment continues to gain strength.

MCX Silver Trading Strategy

(Disclaimer: Recommendations and views on the stock market, other asset classes or personal finance management tips given by experts are their own. These opinions do not represent the views of The Times of India)

Sarfaraz Khan (Image credit: X)

JAIPUR: For months now, Sarfaraz Khan has lived with the noise — whispers about ‘missed chances’, stopstart opportunities and a nagging sense that he needed a statement knock. On Wednesday, he delivered it with a sledgehammer, scoring a blistering 157 off 75 balls to power Mumbai to a 87-run victory over Goa at the Jaipuria Vidyalaya Ground. The fourth straight win kept Mumbai on top of the Vijay Hazare Trophy Elite Group C table and ended Goa’s threematch winning streak.All eyes were on Yashasvi Jaiswal but it was Sarfaraz who stole the afternoon show. Riding on his brutal hitting, Mumbai posted a staggering 444/8, a total that effectively decided the contest by the interval. Goa fought hard and crossed 350 but the chase was always a bridge too far despite Abhinav Tejrana’s 100.

Jaiswal, back after acute gastroenteritis, made 46 before he fell trying to force the pace. Sarfaraz’s younger brother Musheer Khan then shaped the innings with a fluent 60, keeping the board moving and setting up the launchpad. Sarfaraz took over from there and turned the game into a highlights reel.Batting at No. 4, he blasted nine fours and 14 sixes, bringing up his hundred off just 56 balls. His innings left Goa’s bowlers and fielders looking shellshocked.“When I came in, the run-rate wasn’t too high because both openers saw off the tricky first hour,” Sarfaraz told TOI. “It’s always difficult in the morning when the ball is doing a bit. I settled down first and then attacked as the pitch eased out. The plan was to score as many runs as possible and set a strong target.”He also underlined how the platform helped him explode. “By the time I came to the crease, Musheer was batting really well. He was the first to reach fifty,” Sarfaraz said. “I’ve played plenty of one-dayers and I know how to pace an innings. I have a good sweep and cut, and in this format you can’t have more than five fielders out. That gives me freedom to play my shots.”Despite the dream knock, Sarfaraz admitted he had one regret. “We have a common dream of scoring hundreds in the same game,” he said. “We were close in the Ranji Trophy this season and again last week, but we both got out in the fifties. Today, Musheer was batting so well and I thought we could do it. But dreams don’t come true that quickly.”BRIEF SCORES: Mumbai 444/8 in 50 overs (Sarfaraz Khan 157 off 75 balls; Musheer Khan 60; Hardik Tamore 53; Yashasvi Jaiswal 46; Darshan Misal 3/98, V Koushik 2/60, Lalit Yadav 2/93) beat Goa 357/9 in 50 overs (Abhinav Tejrana 100; Deepraj Gaonkar 70; Lalit Yadav 64; Shardul Thakur 3/20, Yashasvi Jaiswal 2/52) by 87 runs.

MUMBAI: In the days leading up to the nomination deadline for the BMC polls, the frenzy for tickets was unmistakable. From political heavyweights pushing family members into the fray, to grassroots karyakartas staking their claim, and recent turncoats seeking immediate political rehabilitation, every party saw intense pressure to accommodate aspirants.The numbers reflect this scramble. For the 227 seats on offer, 2,516 candidates filed nomination forms, of which 2,122—nearly 84% of the total—were filed on the final day, December 30, clearly pointing at both the high stakes and last-minute negotiations that defined this election cycle.

TOI spoke to senior politicians, election analysts and political researchers to understand what is driving candidates to the contest beyond sheer political ambition.

Sanjay Patil, research assistant, department of civics and politics, University of Mumbai; who authored a report ‘Contesting municipal elections-Motivations & Strategies (A Study of BMC election 2012 And 2017),’ points to a convergence of political and economic factors driving the unprecedented scramble for tickets this time.“Municipal elections in Mumbai are taking place after a gap of nine years, which makes them crucial entry points into formal politics for many aspirants,” Patil said. “Additionally, splits within major political parties such as the Shiv Sena and NCP have sharply expanded political ambition, with more factions and claimants seeking space.”Patil added that Mumbai’s evolving political economy has further fuelled the rush. “Over the past two decades, redevelopment and cluster development have significantly altered the city’s power structure. Control over municipal decision-making offers access to policy, resources and influence, making the civic body an attractive platform for those looking to advance both political and personal agendas,” he said.His research also revealed a gender dynamic. According to Patil, several male politicians strategically marry women with Other Backward Class (OBC) certificates to enable their wives to contest from reserved wards. “Even today, it remains difficult for women to break into the electoral fray independently,” he said. “Reservation offers them an entry point, but it also compels them to prepare, perform and prove themselves at the same electoral level once elected.”Other analysts pointed out that several heavyweight politicians have secured tickets for family members as a way of safeguarding and extending their political legacy. The latest round of ticket distribution, they said, clearly reflects a preference across parties for keeping power concentrated within political families.“Across party lines, the message is clear: leaders want their homes to remain power centres,” said political analyst Surendra Jondhale. “Fielding family members is a way of ensuring continued representation and influence within the municipal corporation.”Jondhale added that holding an elected position also brings an informal layer of protection and access. “Corporators are in constant touch with multiple power centres—from the police and wardlevel municipal machinery to, in some cases, city-level authorities. For prominent corporators, this access significantly strengthens their political leverage,” he said.A senior BJP leader said the party’s strong electoral performance in recent years has further fuelled the rush to contest civic polls, with many aspirants viewing this as the most opportune moment to enter the fray.“Our strike rate in successive elections has been exceptionally high, which has encouraged not just party workers but also leaders from other parties to join us with the expectation of securing a ticket,” the leader said.He added that ticket distribution, however, was far from automatic. “The party conducted internal surveys and sought detailed feedback from core committee members at multiple levels before finalising candidates. Those who failed to perform in the previous election were denied tickets this time,” the leader said, underscoring the BJP’s emphasis on winnability and performance.

HYDERABAD: Gig workers unions have renewed their demand for the removal of 10-minute delivery options and the restoration of earlier payout structures, ahead of a nationwide strike scheduled on Wednesday.The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) president, Shaik Salauddin, said the fast-delivery model was placing unsafe pressure on workers, while changes in payment systems had reduced earnings.

He said thousands of workers across the country were preparing to participate in the protest, which could disrupt delivery services during peak hours.“Our demand to the platform companies was that our old payout structure be reinstated and that the 10-minute delivery option be removed from all platforms. We had called for a strike on the 25th and 31st, and on the 25th, 40 thousand workers across India came out in support of it. We are ready to discuss and talk about it. We request the state and central government also to interfere in this,” Salauddin told ANI.According to the union, the protest has already begun in phases. Salauddin said that on December 25, around 40,000 workers across India joined demonstrations, leading to delays in more than half of deliveries.“On the 25th, around 40,000 workers across India joined the protest, due to which 50 to 60 per cent of orders were delayed. What happened on December 25 was just the trailer; the real picture will be seen on December 31,” he said.The strike is being organised under the banner of the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT), which represents delivery workers and drivers associated with companies such as Swiggy, Zomato, Zepto and Amazon.“People can see that we have been continuously raising our demands with platform companies. We have placed five key demands before them. Our first demand is that the old payout structure should be restored. Earlier, during festivals such as Dussehra, Diwali, and Bakrid, fair payments were made. That system must be implemented again regularly,” Salauddin said.The union leader also criticised what he described as opaque, algorithm-driven management systems, alleging that workers’ incomes had suffered as a result.“The algorithm controls workers’ businesses. Incentives are not being paid properly, and there is no clarity. We also want a proper grievance redressal mechanism and social security benefits,” he added.Salauddin claimed the movement had the backing of more than 1.5 lakh workers nationwide and accused aggregator companies of attempting to intimidate those participating in the protest.“Workers are being threatened. Bouncers are being deployed near warehouses, and IDs are being blocked through team leaders and area managers. This kind of pressure will not work,” he said.Patna’s delivery riders face life-threatening pressuresIn Patna, the constant hum of motorcycles has become one of the city’s defining sounds. But this isn’t the noise of convenience or leisure—it’s the soundtrack of work under extreme pressure. Thousands of delivery riders are racing against digital timers that dictate not just their pay, but also their safety and dignity. For 25-year-old Kishan Kumar, the pressure is unrelenting. Each delivery comes with a 15-minute window, after which penalties are applied automatically, ratings drop, and incentives vanish. “We don’t drive recklessly by choice. It’s a desperate tactic to survive peak traffic hours. When roads are clear, we often hit 80-90 km/h because the app only recognises speed as performance,” Kishan explained. He admits to frequently riding on the wrong side of the road, fully aware that one slip could be fatal—all to deliver a single grocery order on time.Delhi likely to see service disruptionsIndia’s first women-led national trade union for gig and platform workers, the Gig & Platform Services Workers Union (GIPSWU) has also called a nationwide strike. Workers across the country are expected to switch off the apps they use to deliver food, groceries, and other services, bringing operations to a halt.Nirmal Gorana, GIPSWU’s national coordinator, said the strike follows a successful digital action on December 25, when about 5,000 workers in Delhi NCR went offline. “Gig workers nationwide are now showing solidarity through the December 31 strike, highlighting the sector’s collective strength and the economy’s dependence on their labour,” he added.The strike draws attention to persistent challenges faced by gig workers, including lack of basic labour rights, harassment, discrimination, and unsafe working conditions. GIPSWU is urging central and state governments to address key demands in line with labour laws. These include setting minimum per-kilometre rates, ensuring workplace safety for women, providing maternity and emergency leave, and legally recognising platform workers as “workers” under labour law.

Otago Volts crushed Central Districts by 41 runs in the fifth match of Super Smash 2025-26 at Molyneux Park, Alexandra, where Glenn Phillips stole the show with an unbeaten 90 off 48 balls, featuring jaw-dropping left-handed shots that lit up social media.​

Glenn Phillips’ left-handed magic stuns the cricketing world 

New Zealand’s versatile batter Phillips turned heads by flipping to a left-handed stance mid-innings against Central Districts, smashing precise boundaries and towering sixes that caught everyone off guard.

Facing Dean Foxcroft in the 19th over, he switched seamlessly on a full delivery outside leg, drilling a stunning cover drive for four that raced away despite fielders’ disbelief. He upped the ante next over versus skipper Jayden Lennox‘s left-arm spin from around the wicket, lofting a massive six over extra cover—pure placement over power, defying his known big-hitting style. These switch-hits, honed in nets but unveiled competitively here, echoed David Warner‘s flair but stood out for control in a high-stakes T20 clash, with clips exploding online as fans marvelled at his ambidexterity.​​

Here’s the video:

Glenn Phillips loved it so much, he had to do it twice 😍🔥

Watch the #SuperSmash from Dec 26 – Jan 31, LIVE on Sony Sports Network TV channels & Sony LIV. #SonySportsNetwork #SuperSmash pic.twitter.com/kBMsAVAfDI

— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) December 30, 2025

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Otago’s dominant victory over Central District

Otago made their intent clear from the very start after choosing to bat, flying to fifty inside five overs despite losing a few wickets along the way. Llew Johnson fell early, but Jamal Todd counterattacked with a quickfire 32 that included a couple of towering sixes, while Max Chu kept the momentum going with a lively 26. The real stability, though, came from Phillips at No. 4. As wickets fell around him and the middle order struggled to build partnerships, Phillips held his nerve. Otago slipped to 129 for five after 15 overs, but Phillips never looked rushed. Once set, he shifted gears dramatically, finding the boundary with ease and clearing the ropes at will. His unbeaten 90 off just 48 balls transformed a good total into a daunting one, lifting Otago to 193 for seven, even as Ben Lockrose was run out off the final delivery.

Central Districts began their chase with promise and were well in touch during the powerplay. Will Young set the tone with a blistering 40 off 19 balls, striking the ball cleanly before getting out at a crucial moment. Dane Cleaver and Dean Foxcroft tried to rebuild, guiding the score past 100, but the chase soon lost direction as pressure mounted. Run-outs and soft dismissals followed in quick succession, and the required rate kept climbing. Luke Georgeson led from the front with the ball, picking up four key wickets and breaking the backbone of the chase, while Danru Ferns and Matthew Bacon provided solid support. Central Districts eventually limped to 152 for eight, falling well short. Phillips was deservedly named Player of the Match, and the win pushed Otago up to third place on the points table.

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