The Melbourne Stars host the Sydney Sixers at the MCG in a high-stakes clash that could shape the mid-table scramble of BBL|15. With the Stars sitting 3rd and the Sixers 4th, this match is a battle for momentum as the tournament heads toward the business end.

The headline act for this fixture is the family feud. Tom Curran has been a standout for the Stars with both bat and ball this season, playing a crucial cameo in the recent derby. He now faces his younger brother, Sam Curran, who has joined the Sydney Sixers squad. Sam’s arrival adds world-class all-round depth to the Sixers, and seeing the two brothers go head-to-head at the ‘G will be a marquee moment for the league.

The Stars started the season on fire with four straight wins but have hit a speed bump, losing their last two matches (against the Heat and the Renegades). The form of Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis with the bat. Both failed in the derby, and the Stars rely heavily on their explosive middle order. The top order, led by the tournament’s leading run-scorer Sam Harper, has been doing the heavy lifting.

The Sixers have had a rollercoaster season, currently sitting on 3 wins and 3 losses. They come into this match off a gritty win against the Brisbane Heat in a low-scoring thriller. The inclusion of Curran is massive. He replaces Kane Richardson (omitted/rested) or likely slots in for a rotational player to bolster the bowling and lower-order hitting. Babar Azam has shown flashes of class but will be keen to dominate on the big MCG stage.

MS vs SS, BBL|15: Match details

• Date and Time: January 08; 01:00 pm IST / 9:15 am GMT / 7:15 pm Local
• Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne

MS vs SS, Head-to-Head Record in BBL

Matches played: 25 | Melbourne Stars won: 09 | Sydney Sixers won: 15 | No result/Tied: 01

Melbourne Cricket Ground Pitch Report

The pitch has been generally balanced this season. In the recent derby, the Stars posted 173, which was chased down, suggesting a good batting deck that offers value for shots. The big boundaries at the MCG always bring the spinners into play, but the seamers (Rauf, Siddle, Abbott) will enjoy the carry early on. Batting second has been slightly favorable at the MCG recently, as teams can pace their chase on the large outfield.

Also READ: BBL|15: Joel Davies’ all-round brilliance guides Sydney Sixers past Brisbane Heat in a low scoring thriller

Squads:

Melbourne Stars: Thomas Rogers, Sam Harper (wk), Campbell Kellaway, Blake Macdonald, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis (c), Hilton Cartwright, Tom Curran, Mitchell Swepson, Haris Rauf, Peter Siddle, Sam Hain, Liam Hatcher, Hamish McKenzie

Sydney Sixers: Daniel Hughes, Babar Azam, Josh Philippe (wk), Moises Henriques (c), Jordan Silk, Jack Edwards, Joel Davies, Ben Manenti, Hayden Kerr, Ben Dwarshuis, Sean Abbott, Sam Curran, Mitchell Perry, Lachlan Shaw

MS vs SS, BBL|15: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• Melbourne Stars wins the toss and bowls first
• Sydney Sixers’ powerplay score: 50-55 (6 overs)
• Sydney Sixers’ total score: 170-180

Case 2:

• Sydney Sixers wins the toss and bowls first
• Melbourne Stars’ powerplay score: 45-50 (6 overs)
• Melbourne Stars’ total score: 160-170

Match result: Team bowling first to win the contest.

Also READ: BBL|15: Jamie Overton shines in Adelaide Strikers’ thrilling win over Sydney Thunder

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has expressed support for Bangladesh over their decision not to travel to India for the T20 World Cup 2026 in February-March. Notably, the PCB has assured the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) that it is willing to raise the matter with the International Cricket Council (ICC) if required.

Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman was released by Kolkata Knight Riders after the BCCI asked the franchise to let him go, citing “developments all around”. KKR had signed Mustafizur for Rs 9.20 crore at the IPL auction following a bidding battle. However, the move triggered the Bangladesh Cricket Board.

Pakistan Cricket Board Signs Mustafizur Rahman After IPL Snub

Mustafizur Rahman will return to the Pakistan Super League next season. The league confirmed his participation on social media, even though the PSL draft is scheduled for January 21. This will be his first PSL appearance in eight years.

Your daily dose of cricket!

Mustafizur last played in the PSL in 2018 for Lahore Qalandars, where he featured under the captaincy of Brendon McCullum. He played five matches that season and took four wickets.

His return to the PSL comes at a time when uncertainty surrounds Bangladesh’s participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup in India. During his time away from the PSL, Mustafizur became a regular in the Indian Premier League.

The left-arm pacer made his IPL debut with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in their title-winning season and later played for Mumbai Indians (MI), Rajasthan Royals (RR), and Delhi Capitals (DC).

Pakistan Back Bangladesh Over World Cup Travel Stance

Pakistan have backed Bangladesh over its stance on not travelling to India for the upcoming World Cup, which is scheduled to begin on February 7.

According to journalist Saleem Khaliq, the Pakistan Cricket Board has assured Bangladesh of full support and is ready to raise the issue with the International Cricket Council if required, standing by Bangladesh during the ongoing dispute.

“In a time of crisis, Pakistan extended its support to Bangladesh, assuring full backing for its decision not to travel to India for the upcoming World Cup and even offered to take up the matter with the ICC if necessary,” Saleem Khaliq wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).

🚨 PAKISTAN STANDS WITH BANGLADESH 🚨

– PCB has assured full support to Bangladesh for their decision not to travel to India for the WC.

– Pakistan will also speak to the ICC if needed to back Bangladesh. (Saleem Khaliq) pic.twitter.com/n8toRKlslx

— Sheri. (@CallMeSheri1_) January 7, 2026

Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup 2026 Schedule Under Review

Bangladesh are scheduled to play all four of their Group C matches in the T20 World Cup 2026 in India. They will play their first three games in Kolkata against the West Indies (February 7), Italy (February 9), and England (February 14). The final group match is against Nepal on February 17 in Mumbai.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has raised concerns about sending the team to India due to strained diplomatic relations. As a result, the board has asked the International Cricket Council to move Bangladesh’s group-stage matches to Sri Lanka.

The ICC is now reviewing possible solutions. These include shifting the matches to Sri Lanka or asking a BCB delegation to visit India to assess security arrangements. If no agreement is reached, there is also a small chance that Bangladesh could withdraw from the tournament.

Also read: ICC KICKS Bangladesh out of T20 World Cup 2026, replacement identified

The Pakistan Cricket Board has extended its support to the BCB and has backed its decision not to travel to India for the T20 World Cup. After the extended backing, BCB, in a fresh statement, has issued a clear warning of a walkover to the ICC if they are forced to play in India.

The Indo-Bangladesh controversies have taken a new turn with the PCB having the back of the Bangladesh Cricket Board following their revolt against the PCB’s longtime rivals, the BCCI. Mohsin Naqvi has been a constant threat to BCCI’s smooth operations and has not spared in challenging the ICC.

Bangladesh opting not to play in India would complicate the issues and would potentially strain the relationship between the two boards. The India tour to Bangladesh would also be cancelled if such situations escalate.

Your daily dose of cricket!

BCB gets massive backing from Mohsin Naqvi’s PCB amid T20 World Cup turmoil

In their waged war against the Indian board, BCCI, and their actions, the BCB has received extensive backing from the hands of the Pakistan Cricket Board. The PCB’s issues with the BCCI have been escalating since the Champions Trophy, when they denied travelling to Pakistan despite several attempts to convince the Men in Blue to travel to the nation.

The Pakistan board then signed a deal with the BCCI, according to which they would play their matches in neutral venues and neither team would travel to each other’s territory. Now, the PCB has extended its backing to the BCB.

They have also assured the Bangladesh Cricket Board of speaking to the ICC, supporting their appeal to shift the matches to Sri Lanka.

BCB director issues ultimatum of walkover if forced to play in India

After the ICC had asked the BCB to reconsider their decision and had assured additional security to all players and the support staff who travel to India during the T20 World Cup, BCB director Asif Akbar has issued a public statement, which simply warns them of a walkover in the ICC T20 World Cup if the match venues are not altered.

“If we are forced to play in India, we will walk over. We are ready to play in Sri Lanka instead,” Asif Akbar said.

“We have already made our position clear. That option is no longer open for us. Considering the Mustafizur issue and concerns related to our players, we remain negative about playing in India. However, we are ready to play in Sri Lanka,” he added.

Asif Akbar (BCB Member) :

“If we are forced to play in India, we will walk over. We are ready to play in Sri Lanka instead.”#T20WorldCup2026 pic.twitter.com/F4lC35jRtO

— Raisul Rifat (@raisul_rifat88) January 7, 2026

BCB is still awaiting ICC’s response before a final verdict on the T20 World Cup

In a recent report from ESPNcricinfo, it was revealed that the ICC has issued an ultimatum to the BCB, saying that they either need to travel to India for the World Cup or they should be ready to risk points.

However, the BCB official statement clearly said that no such ultimatum has been issued, and they are awaiting any response from the end of the ICC before giving their final verdict on the matter.

“Since the ICC is the guardian of world cricket, we will inform our next course of action after receiving their response,” Asif added in his statement.

ALSO READ: BCB finally breaks silence on ICC’s ‘play in India or forfeit points’ ultimatum for T20 World Cup 2026

Justin Langer, the former Australian coach, has mounted some well-deserved praise for Jacob Bethell after his magnificent century at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The former Australian batter has used some tricky phrases and has intrigued the audience.

The Ashes have not marked too many glorious moments for the English cricketers who toured Down Under. However, Jacob Bethell played in his second game of the Ashes series and managed to score his maiden First-class hundred.

Joe Root, on the other hand, has been one of England’s most promising batters and scored his second century of the series. Harry Brook and Zak Crawley also remained among the highest scorers for England.

Your daily dose of cricket!

Jacob Bethell lit up SCG with a stupendous century

Left-handed batter Jacob Bethell not only played a stupendous innings at the SCG but also threatened to take over the no. 3 position in the English red-ball side. Ollie Pope has struggled in the position since last year, as he has either scored centuries or been dismissed for ducks.

Bethell scored his first century and helped England’s innings single-handedly. Harry Brook and Ben Duckett remained the only batters who helped him with the innings. Bethell remained unbeaten at the end of Day 4 and helped England to a lead of 119 runs.

Justin Langer has made the headlines with a quirky response on Jacob Bethell, mounting praises for the English batter, and his comments show he might be in love with the batter’s performances.

“Ah, guess what, my boyfriend’s coming. My boyfriend arrived,” said Justin Langer. The remark made Alastair Cook and the presenter of TNT Sports laugh out loud as they welcomed Jacob Bethell.

“I love his honesty. I love the way he played. And yeah, dare I say, I love him,” the Australian legend remarks made Alastair Cook get all naughty. Cook replied, “I am not going to quote that for the national TV. I’ll let Justin do that.”

Mountains of well deserved praise for Jacob Bethell from the team 🙌

Justin Langer may be in LOVE 😍😂 pic.twitter.com/QpIwPidNzi

— Cricket on TNT Sports (@cricketontnt) January 7, 2026

In another major feat, Justin Langer has credited Jacob Bethell’s upbringing for his fine technique on the back foot. Langer has said that any player who is good on the back foot can evolve to be a promising player in the future.

“He just says it as it is. I just love what he said about growing up in Barbados. I’ve always said, if I were a coach of a kid, I would be teaching them to play off the back foot before the front foot,” said Langer.

“Because if you have any worries about playing off the back foot, it doesn’t matter if you hit 10 billion balls on the front foot. You’re never going to be quite as sharp. So, a great upbringing for him, a great lesson for kids wanting to become really good players,” he added.

ALSO READ: Ricky Ponting, Kevin Pietersen PUBLICLY EXECUTE Will Jacks over horrible Sydney Test dismissal

England skipper Ben Stokes suffered a groin injury during the fourth day (Wednesday, January 7) of the fifth and final Ashes 2025-26 Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney. Stokes was forced to leave the field after picking up the issue, raising concerns for England in the ongoing match.

Australia are in control and look set to finish the Ashes with a 4-1 series win. They still need to bat well on the final day to seal the result. Jacob Bethell scored a memorable maiden first-class century. Beau Webster, playing his first Test of the home series, once again proved his value with a strong performance.

Ben Stokes Suffers Groin Injury on Day Four of Final Ashes Test in Sydney

Ben Stokes suffered a groin injury on day four of the final Ashes Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground. He pulled up while bowling early on Wednesday and left the field mid-over, with the team later confirming an issue with his right adductor.

Your daily dose of cricket!

“Ben Stokes is currently being assessed for a right adductor complaint. We will provide an update when more information is available,” a short statement read.

Stokes could not bat in his usual position during England’s second innings. He eventually came in much lower down the order but struggled to move freely and scored just one run before getting out. England ended the day at 302-8 after a maiden Test century from Jacob Bethell.

Stokes, who has carried a heavy bowling workload throughout the series, is now unlikely to bowl on the final day. His fitness is a concern as England push for a win that could reduce their series deficit.

England captain Ben Stokes limped from the field with a groin injury on day four of the final Ashes Test against Australia.

The skipper, who has bowled 101.1 overs across the Ashes, would come to the crease at No 8 but, hobbled by the injury, lasted five deliveries for one run. pic.twitter.com/hLXbxjvxff

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) January 7, 2026

Ben Stokes Battles Injuries but Commits to England’s Future

Stokes has struggled with injuries for several years. Knee, hamstring, and shoulder problems have stopped him from playing a full role in England’s previous four Test series before this Ashes tour.

Stokes recently signed a new England central contract that runs until the end of the home Ashes in 2027. After England’s series defeat was confirmed this winter, he also said he wants to continue as captain.

Stokes took five wickets in the first innings of the opening Ashes Test in Perth. However, his batting has not matched that success. He played nine innings in the series without scoring a century in what could be his final Ashes series in Australia.

He’s Got a History of Injuries – Nasser Hussain on Ben Stokes

Former England captain Nasser Hussain has said that workload and team balance are the reasons behind Ben Stokes’s latest injury setback. Hussain added that Stokes plays the game at full intensity all the time and never holds back, which increases the physical toll on his body.

“He’s got a history of injuries, but that’s the way Stokes plays his cricket. He does everything 100 per cent, never eases into anything.

“He is a victim of probably his own, and his management team’s selections in this series. He’s bowled over 100 overs with a history of injuries, and it’s 35 degrees, 40 degrees on some pitches.

“There should be a spinner to bowl some overs at Sydney, should have been a frontline spinner for Adelaide. There wasn’t.

Also read: Jacob Bethell becomes first specialist batter to achieve rare Test feat after maiden first-class century

West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder has dropped an honest opinion on the Indo-Pak conflict, and the way the players have brought the political issues onto the cricket field has caused a major upset for the Caribbean all-rounder.

The game of cricket has been largely affected by political conflicts between nations, and the Indo-Pak altercations have constantly bothered the two cricket boards. The PCB and BCCI have also been involved in various tiffs in recent times, and some continue to remain unsolved.

While the cricketers from both these nations have supported such doings, the fellow cricketers from other nations have found the matter going overboard. Jason Holder has also dropped a similar opinion on the Asia Cup trophy row involving the Indian team and PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

Your daily dose of cricket!

India-Pakistan controversy was fueled during the Asia Cup 2025

India and Pakistan have been longtime rivals in the game of cricket. The two nations that were divided back in 1947 with the independence of British India have held grudges over several issues since then and have fought wars to settle geopolitical conflicts.

However, after the 2025 attack on Pahalgam valley in the Indian territory of Kashmir, the Indian government denied keeping any friendly relations with the Pakistan Cricket Board. They also decided not to play any game against Pakistan, but the demand from the broadcasters largely affected them.

The Asia Cup marked several controversies brewing between the two sides as they snubbed each other’s request for handshakes, and players continued to attack each other both on and off the field. However, it went overboard when India denied taking the winners’ trophy at the hands of ACC Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the PCB Chief and holds a position in the Pakistan internal ministry.

Jason Holder drops an honest opinion on the Indo-Pak controversy

Players who come from outside to be part of the ACC or ICC tournaments in these two nations or even franchise leagues in these nations have also been affected by the growing tensions between these nations. Last time during the IPL, the Indian territory suddenly found itself under an attack from Pakistani forces.

West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder, who has played franchise cricket both in India and Pakistan with the IPL and the PSL, has opined that such things are going on at too serious a level. Holder brought up the Asia Cup Trophy row controversy during his mention on the Game on with Grace podcast.

Jason Holder said, “I don’t like the India–Pakistan beef. I saw India win the Asia Cup & they didn’t go to accept the trophy. It’s just too much, man.” Jason Holder’s remarks have come amid the rising tensions between the BCCi and the BCB.

Jason Holder said, “I don’t like the India–Pakistan beef. I saw India win the Asia Cup & they didn’t go to accept the trophy. It’s just too much, man.” (Game On With Grace) pic.twitter.com/b2DN0Fe04W

— Sheri. (@CallMeSheri1_) January 7, 2026

Jason Holder to make a switch from PSL to IPL in 2026

Jason Holder, the senior all-rounder from the West Indies, has played for several franchises in the IPL as well as the PSL. After having played for teams like the Sunrisers Hyderabad and the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, he went on to play in the PSL.

After success with the PSL franchises, Holder has made it to the IPL auction again, where he was bought for a whopping INR 7 crores by the Gujarat Titans. The Titans have looked forward to an all-rounder for a long time, and finally, he makes the cut in 2026.

ALSO READ: Shaheen Afridi injury update: Pakistan confident of T20 World Cup fitness

Pakistan remain confident that star fast bowler Shaheen Afridi will be fit in time for the upcoming T20 World Cup, which is set to begin on February 7. T20I captain Salman Ali Agha said the left-arm pacer is recovering well from a knee injury, raising hopes that Pakistan will have their leading bowler available.

Afridi has returned home after suffering a knee injury while playing for Brisbane Heat in the BBL. The Pakistan Cricket Board recalled him to undergo treatment and rehabilitation at its High Performance Centre in Lahore. Shaheen featured in four matches for Brisbane, taking two wickets at an average of 76.50.

Shaheen Afridi Suffers Knee Injury in Big Bash League

Shaheen Shah Afridi suffered a knee injury while playing in the Big Bash League in Australia. The issue occurred during a match against the Adelaide Strikers, where he appeared uncomfortable while fielding before leaving the ground holding his knee.

Your daily dose of cricket!

Brisbane Heat released Afridi from the tournament, after which the Pakistan Cricket Board called him back home to manage his recovery under its supervision.

Before the injury forced him off the field, Afridi had a mixed outing. He started well but later conceded 19 runs in an over against Italian cricketer Harry Manenti.

It is worth mentioning that this is not the first time Shaheen Afridi has suffered a knee injury. He sustained a similar injury during a Test match in Galle in 2021, which kept him out of action for several months.

We Are Hopeful Shaheen Afridi Will Be Fit for the World Cup – Salman Ali Agha

Shaheen Afridi is a key figure in their white-ball plans, and his fitness is expected to have a major impact on their T20 World Cup campaign, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

Speaking in Dambulla, Salman Ali Agha said that the team is optimistic about Shaheen’s recovery. However, he added that the final call on his availability will be taken by the Pakistan Cricket Board based on advice from the medical team.

“We are hopeful he will be fit for the World Cup but the final decision will come from the (Pakistan Cricket) Board on advice from the medical panel,” Salman told the media in Dambulla, where Pakistan take on Sri Lanka in the first T20I on Wednesday.

This Series Will Help The Players A Lot For the World Cup – Salman Ali Agha

Salman Ali Agha said the team has assembled a well-balanced and competitive squad for the series against Sri Lanka. Salman added that the matches are especially useful for players with limited experience in Sri Lanka, as Pakistan are scheduled to play all of their World Cup games there.

“This series will help the players a lot for the World Cup, especially those who haven’t played that much cricket in Sri Lanka,” Salman said.

Pakistan have named an experienced squad for the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, with only one new face included. Khawaja Nafay is the only uncapped player in the lineup.

Shadab Khan is back in the national team after eight months out following shoulder surgery. Selectors recalled him after his encouraging performances in the Big Bash League, adding experience and balance to Pakistan’s squad.

Also read: Mohsin Naqvi goes full ANTI-INDIA, drags Pakistan into Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup controversy

Following Joe Root‘s promising form in the longest format of the game, former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar recalled Indian great Virat Kohli and claimed that Kohli should not have given up so quickly on the format he once loved and could have rather staged a fightback.

The Test format has once again gained popularity in recent times, and England’s Joe Root has been the irreplaceable king of the format. He has been the highest run-getter in WTC history and has been unstoppable in every season for England.

Steve Smith from Australia and Kane Williamson from New Zealand have also had their own good seasons, but Virat Kohli has averaged 31 in the last 5 years of his career. Kohli finally announced his retirement from the format in 2025.

Your daily dose of cricket!

Sanjay Manjrekar brutally attacked Virat Kohli on his Test retirement

Following Kohli’s retirement, former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar went on to comment that the veteran Indian batter should have attempted a fightback instead of just turning his back on the longest format of the game.

Manjrekar also launched an extensive attack on the Indian batter, claiming that despite his remarkable fitness, he gave up too early on Test cricket, when his peers in England, Australia and New Zealand, who were part of the Fab-4, are still scoring runs with ease.

Manjrekar’s words were not taken lightly by the Indian fans, as they seemed infuriated by the scathing attack on their legend and the player intending to call him a coward, one of the most aggressive stars in the longest format of the game.

Virat Kohli’s brother launches a stinging attack on Sanjay Manjrekar

After the attack on Virat Kohli, Vikas Kohli, the elder brother of the Indian cricketer, has now responded with a tweet against Sanjay Manjrekar’s words. The Indian cricketer’s brother mocked Manjrekar, who has been attacked due to such audacious claims in the past.

Mocking the former Indian batter, Vikash Kohli wrote, “Seems like Logon ki Daal Roti nahi chalti….Bina Virat Kohli ka naam liye hue.”

Vikash bhaiya not in the mood to spare Sanjay Manjrekar.

He’s not holding back 🥶 pic.twitter.com/18w4b9ojPu

— Kohlistic🔥 (@Kohlistic18) January 7, 2026

His attack seemed a direct attack on the former player, trying to get some attention using Virat Kohli’s name. Virat is such an icon of world cricket that even his name can have a massive impact on viewers.

Virat Kohli is nearing 28000 international runs

Virat Kohli has retired from the Test and T20 formats of the game but continues to feature for India in the 50-over format. A true veteran of the format, Kohli is the second-highest run-scorer in the format and the highest century getter in the history of the format.

Kohli, who is just a few runs away from the 28000 run mark in international cricket, would also be taking the least number of innings to reach the landmark, as he still has 19 innings to spare. Another 42 runs would also take him past Kumar Sangakkara to be the second-highest scorer in international cricket, only behind Sachin Tendulkar.

Kohli would have an opportunity to level the records in the upcoming series against South Africa, where India will play three ODI matches starting from the 11th of January.

ALSO READ: Shreyas Iyer health update: Bombshell report reveals real status ahead of New Zealand ODIs

In the 26th match of Big Bash League season 15 at Perth Stadium on January 7, 2026, Perth Scorchers battled Melbourne Renegades under lights. Renegades captain Will Sutherland won the toss and opted to field first, setting up a disciplined bowling display that restricted Scorchers to just 127 all out in 19.2 overs. This low-scoring thriller highlighted Renegades’ bowling prowess at the innings break, with Scorchers struggling on a pitch offering assistance to seamers.​

Jason Behrendorff uproots Cooper Connolly with an absolute Jaffa in BBL|15

Jason Behrendorff, the experienced left-arm pacer now with Renegades after a storied Perth career, struck early to rattle Scorchers. In the 4.3 over, he delivered an absolute jaffa to young all-rounder Cooper Connolly, swinging in late to uproot the middle stump and leave Connolly bowled for 3 off 8 balls. The delivery, pitching on off and nipping back sharply past the defensive prod, lit up social media with fans calling it a “peach” and “unplayable” in BBL|15 highlights. This wicket, the second fall at 23/2, swung momentum firmly to Renegades and showcased Behrendorff’s mastery at his former home ground.​ Behrendorff finished with economical figures of 1/11 from 3 overs, his swing troubling Scorchers’ top order in the powerplay where they managed only 22/1.​

Here’s the video:

How about this wicket from Jason Behrendorff against his old side 😮 #BBL15 pic.twitter.com/L3C7F0c1CT

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 7, 2026

Also READ: BBL|15: Jamie Overton shines in Adelaide Strikers’ thrilling win over Sydney Thunder

Melbourne Renegades’ bowling restricts Perth Scorchers to a low score

Gurinder Sandhu delivered a defining spell, returning career-high BBL figures of 4/28 as he ripped through the Scorchers’ middle order, removing Finn Allen for eight, Aaron Hardie for forty-four, Joel Paris for a duck, and David Payne without scoring. Hardie fought back with a composed 44 from 40 balls, striking four boundaries and a lone six, yet his dismissal in the 18th over, caught deep cover off Sandhu, sparked a collapse of seven wickets for seven runs. Hassan Khan chipped in with 2/26, accounting for Mitchell Marsh and captain Ashton Turner, while Sutherland claimed Laurie Evans. Nick Hobson and Jhye Richardson were run out, leaving the Scorchers to lose their final five wickets for seven runs in seven deliveries.

The powerplay produced just 22 for one, the Scorchers crawled to fifty after 7.4 overs, then slipped to 65 for four by drinks at 9.5. They reached 100 in the 15th over but never found momentum, folding for 127 with five extras. The Renegades’ disciplined attack, highlighted by Sam Elliott’s 0/12.

Also READ: BBL|15: Josh Brown sizzles as Renegades edge Stars in Melbourne derby thriller at the MCG

The Ashes 2025-26 series has reached a gripping climax at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), providing a masterclass in Test match theatre. England, despite already conceding the urn, arrived in Sydney with a point to prove after their dramatic Boxing Day victory in Melbourne. The match has been an oscillating battle of wills: England’s first innings of 384 was overtaken by Australia’s massive 567, but the visitors found a second wind on Day 4. Powered by Jacob Bethell’s resilient 142, England fought back to 302/8 at stumps, carving out a slim but psychologically significant lead of 119 runs. With only two wickets remaining and the pitch beginning to show the characteristic wear of a fifth-day SCG deck, the stage is set for a final-day shootout where momentum could shift with a single wicket.

Ashes 2025-26: Alastair Cook sets England’s defensive target to defeat Australia on Day 5 of Sydney Test

Following the conclusion of Day 4, former England captain Sir Alastair Cook sat down with TNT Sports to analyze the narrow path to victory for Ben Stokes’ men. Cook dismissed the possibility of a draw, noting that the rapid nature of the game and the deteriorating state of the surface have made a result almost certain. He argued that on a fifth-day pitch, a rarity in modern Test cricket where games often end earlier, even a modest target could prove insurmountable if England strikes early.

“I don’t think a draw is possible as there is too much cricket to go. However, one thing you can say about the 4th innings on a 5th day, which we don’t get very often—normally the pitch in a Test match with 3 or 4 days of cricket is pretty good. We might see this pitch deteriorate a lot more so suddenly 160 or 220, they obviously got 2 wickets left, if they got 6 wickets left they might get 220. So 160 is possible to defend. It is possible if you get early Australian wickets.” Cook said.

Cook’s analysis highlighted that the pressure of a fifth-day chase in Australia is uniquely difficult. He suggested that if England’s tail can wag just enough to push the lead past 150, the outside chance” becomes a very real threat to the Australian batting lineup.

Also WATCH: Ashes 2025-26: Jamie Smith’s brain fade ends in a farcical run-out by Jake Weatherald on Day 4 at the SCG

Ashes 2025-26: Cook identifies the specific wickets England must claim to trigger an Australian collapse

In the final segment of his analysis, Cook identified the specific wickets England must claim to trigger an Australian collapse. He pinpointed Travis Head as the ultimate prize, noting that his aggressive style is the engine of Australia’s “flying starts.” Without Head to take the game away, Cook believes the English bowlers can induce a sense of panic that has been missing for much of the series.

“England in particular have to get Travis Head out. They get Travis Head out, Australia won’t get the flying start, they can suddenly be 30/3. One or two suddenly explode, you get Steve Smith caught in the gully that he can’t play, then suddenly you can believe. We have seen so many matches in the past actually here in Australia where it is hard to chase the score. England haven’t got the specialist spinner which they would love, but it is an outside chance. They have given themselves an outside chance, so you never know.” Cook concluded.

Cook concluded by acknowledging that while England is disadvantaged by the lack of a frontline spinner to exploit the SCG cracks, the psychological weight of the Ashes means that belief is often more potent than technical advantage. If England can find a way to dismiss Smith and Head cheaply, the SCG might just witness one of the great final-day escapes in Ashes history.

Also READ: Fans celebrate in jubilation as Jacob Bethell brings up his maiden century in the SCG Test