Former Team India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin showered praise on Australia pacer Nathan Ellis during the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26 season. Ashwin said that Ellis could play a key role for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) with the ball in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, given his skills and variations.

With Matheesha Pathirana moving to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), the Super Kings will need to find a reliable option for the death overs. Nathan Ellis could be a good option, even if he is not a like-for-like replacement. Ellis, who was part of CSK’s squad last season, featured in just one match, taking one wicket for 38 runs.

Nathan Ellis Leads Hobart Hurricanes’ Bowling Effort Against Renegades

Hobart Hurricanes skipper Nathan Ellis played a crucial role in restricting the Melbourne Renegades to 162/9 after winning the toss. The Renegades got off to a flying start, but poor shot selection and soft dismissals triggered a collapse against disciplined bowling.

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Ellis led the Hurricanes’ attack with control and smart variations. He struck at key moments and finished with impressive figures of 3 for 30. With strong support from the rest of the bowling unit, Ellis ensured the Renegades were kept to a total around 20 to 25 runs below par.

After reaching 72/2 inside the Powerplay, the Renegades lost wickets regularly through the middle overs. Some resistance from the lower order could not repair the damage, and another collapse during the Power Surge left them well short of a competitive score.

Nathan Ellis Are Locked At the ‘Punk’ – Ravichandran Ashwin

After the Melbourne Renegades’ innings, Ravichandran Ashwin said that Nathan Ellis bowled well across all stages of the innings. Ashwin added that Ellis has all but secured a fixed role in the death overs for Chennai Super Kings, adding that he could become a regular feature in the IPL 2026 season.

“The men in yellove will be happy with how he’s been shaping up. 4-0-30-3 for Hobart Hurricanes today,” Ravichandran Ashwin wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).

“Most importantly, 2-0-15-2 at the death, bowling 17 and 20, nailing his yorkers and change of pace. Safe to say two overs of Ellis are locked at the ‘Pauk’ in the death for the summer of 26?” he added.

The men in yellove will be happy with how he’s been shaping up.

4-0-30-3 for Hobart Hurricanes today.

Most importantly, 2-0-15-2 at the death, bowling 17 and 20, nailing his yorkers and change of pace.

Safe to say two overs of Ellis are locked at the ‘Pauk’ in the death for… pic.twitter.com/zjkg0ipXJQ

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) December 29, 2025

Nathan Ellis Could Be a Key All-Phase Bowler for CSK

Nathan Ellis is seen as a bowler who thrives on responsibility and can be trusted at any stage of an innings. That flexibility makes him a valuable option for Chennai Super Kings, whose bowling attack has experience but lacks a player who can be relied upon in all situations.

Ellis bowls with intensity throughout his spell and offers a wide range of variations. While he may not be an express fast bowler, he hits the pitch hard, keeps his pace skiddy, and consistently attacks the stumps, making life uncomfortable for batters.

His clever use of slower balls and changes of pace could be particularly effective on the low, slow surfaces at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Given those conditions, Ellis has the skills to become a genuine difference-maker for CSK, especially in pressure moments.

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Veteran cricketers nearing the twilight of their careers often find themselves surrounded by speculation, and Australia’s ongoing Ashes campaign is no different. With the fifth and final Ashes 2025-26 Test set to be played at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground, discussions around farewells and future plans have inevitably surfaced. Among the names at the center of such chatter is experienced opener Usman Khawaja. Now, Australia head coach Andrew McDonald has stepped in to address the growing curiosity, offering clarity on Khawaja’s immediate future and the team’s broader selection thinking.

Andrew McDonald shares his take on Usman Khawaja’s retirement talks ahead of Sydney Test

McDonald has firmly played down any immediate talk surrounding Khawaja’s retirement following the fifth and final Ashes Test against England. Addressing the media ahead of the Sydney clash, McDonald clarified that there have been no internal discussions pointing toward Khawaja calling time on his international career.

The Australian opener is currently spending a short break with his family, but according to McDonald, there has been no indication from the senior batter that Sydney will mark his final appearance in Test whites. The coach stressed that conversations around retirement usually come directly from the player, and in Khawaja’s case, nothing of that sort has been communicated.

McDonald underlined that Khawaja’s place in the side remains secure due to his performances over the course of the year. Despite being 39, the left-hander has continued to deliver at the highest level, ensuring that selection decisions remain performance-based rather than influenced by age or external speculation. From the team management’s perspective, Khawaja has done enough to warrant selection for the Sydney Test, with McDonald confidently stating that the opener is expected to be out in the middle once again at the start of the match.

“He’s with his family at the moment having a couple of days off. We’re always having conversations about where players are at, there’s no indication at my end that he’s calling it in Sydney. But his performance in this calendar year has been good enough to warrant selection, so I’d say he’ll be there marking centre in Sydney,” McDonald said as quoted by cricbuzz.

Also READ: Ashes 2025-26: Brett Lee explains why Sydney Test could be a fitting farewell for Usman Khawaja

Khawaja’s call will be respected: McDonald

One of the key factors easing pressure on any immediate decision is Australia’s upcoming Test schedule. Following the Sydney Test, the national side will not play another Test until August, when Bangladesh tour Australia. That series will be followed by a packed calendar, including a tour of South Africa, a home series against New Zealand, and a challenging tour of India.

In total, Australia are set to play 13 Tests between October and March, but the eight-month gap after the Ashes provides selectors with valuable time. McDonald explained that this extended break allows the selection panel to calmly evaluate future combinations and plan for the next phase without rushing into decisions about senior players.

McDonald made it clear that the decision ultimately lies with Khawaja. If the opener feels the time is right to step away, the team management expects he will approach them directly. Until then, Australia are content to focus on the immediate task at hand rather than speculate about long-term changes.

“I think Uz will come to us if he’s going to retire, there’s no doubt about that. And then after this Test match, we’ve got eight months until the next one, so we’ve got a lot of time as a selection group to make that decision. If there was a series straight off the back of this, then it would be a little bit different. But with the eight-month gap, as a selection panel, we’ve got a lot of time to think about our next Test team should Uz push forward,” added McDonald.

Also READ: “I was in a state of shock”: MCG curator breaks silence after farce of two-day Boxing Day Test – Ashes 2025-26

The debate around India’s future leadership has intensified after former England spinner questioned whether Shubman Gill is ready to shoulder the responsibility of being India’s all-format captain. While acknowledging Gill’s immense batting talent, the ex-cricketer believes the young star lacks the intensity and mental edge required to lead the national side consistently across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.

Former cricketer questions Shubman Gill’s temperament for leadership across formats

Speaking candidly, Monty Panesar argued that captaincy at the highest level demands more than runs and technique. According to him, Gill’s approach under pressure often drifts toward complacency, something that could become a liability when combined with the tactical and emotional demands of leadership. The former left-arm spinner stressed that being an all-format captain in modern cricket is an “all-consuming role” that only a handful of players can truly manage.

Panesar drew a sharp comparison between Gill and former India captain Virat Kohli, widely regarded as one of India’s most intense leaders. He pointed out that Kohli’s aggression, energy, and relentless standards were visible regardless of the format or match situation, setting a benchmark for leadership.

“He is a complacent cricketer. He has a lot of talent, but he starts playing lazy shots in the game. Virat Kohli’s intensity and aggression are evident in all formats. Shubman Gill can’t do that. It’s too much burden for him. He can’t be the captain of all formats,” Panesar said, as quoted by India Today.

According to Panesar, the issue is not Gill’s skill set but the additional mental load that comes with leadership. He suggested that piling captaincy responsibilities across formats could dilute Gill’s batting focus, potentially stalling his growth as a premier batter.

Also READ: Top 5 contenders for the 2025 ICC Cricketer of the Year Award

Concerns over India’s red-ball structure

Beyond individual leadership, Panesar also highlighted deeper structural issues within Indian cricket, particularly in the red-ball format. He believes India is still some distance away from rebuilding a dominant Test side, citing a widening gap between domestic cricket and the international level.

Panesar emphasized that the transition from the Ranji Trophy to Test cricket remains steep, with four-day cricket demanding patience, discipline, and sustained hard work. He further noted that financial and structural challenges in domestic red-ball cricket affect player motivation. With Test cricket and domestic four-day competitions offering less financial incentive compared to T20 leagues, maintaining focus and commitment becomes harder for emerging players.

“Indian players are not ready for Test cricket. Players who do well in T20s and ODIs don’t necessarily perform in Tests. The gap between the Ranji Trophy and the Indian Test team is big. Four-day cricket takes hard work and patience. Test cricket pays less, and that affects focus. The Ranji Trophy system is weak at the moment. India will need patience to make a proper comeback in Test cricket,” added Panesar.

Also READ: Monty Panesar predicts the semifinalists of T20 World Cup 2026

The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) has been handed an ‘unsatisfactory’ pitch rating by the International Cricket Council (ICC) match referee following the fourth Ashes Test of the 2025-26 series, a game that ended inside two days with a staggering 36 wickets falling. The verdict represents a rare black mark against one of cricket’s most storied venues and has triggered internal reviews ahead of the next Test in Sydney.

The match statistics told a blunt story. Australia were dismissed for 152 and 132, while England collapsed for 110 in their first innings, as bowlers dominated proceedings from the opening session to the final ball.

ICC pitch rating system: How surfaces are judged?

In November 2023, the ICC streamlined its pitch assessment framework, reducing ratings to four categories (with three for outfields):

• Very good: A balanced surface offering consistent bounce and carry, limited early seam, and natural spin later in the match.
• Satisfactory: Acceptable for competitive cricket, with minor inconsistencies but no excessive bias towards bat or ball.
• Unsatisfactory: Excessive seam movement, uneven bounce, one-sided assistance, or rapid deterioration – resulting in one demerit point.
• Unfit: Dangerous or unplayable conditions that compromise player safety – earning three demerit points.

Demerit points are tracked over a five-year rolling period. A venue accumulating five or more points faces suspension from hosting international matches for 12 months, while 10 points triggers a 24-month ban.

Why the MCG surface was rated ‘unsatisfactory’?

Match referees assess pitches using a standardised report that tracks bounce, seam movement, wear and overall balance across the match. In this case, the MCG surface was deemed to have failed the fairness test.

The pitch featured around 10mm of grass, producing extreme seam movement throughout the contest. Rather than easing as the match progressed, conditions remained hostile for batters, leading to erratic bounce and exaggerated lateral movement that consistently favoured fast bowlers.

Despite pre-match requests from both captains for a balanced wicket, the surface delivered a one-sided contest where survival, rather than skill, defined batting. Officials concluded that while the pitch was not dangerous, it did not provide a fair contest between bat and ball, warranting the ‘unsatisfactory’ label.

Also READ: Ashes 2025-26: Ben Stokes and Steve Smith slam MCG pitch after 4th Test ends in two days

A rare demerit for an iconic venue

First such rating in years for the MCG

The MCG has historically enjoyed a strong reputation for producing competitive Test wickets, making this assessment particularly notable. This is the first unsatisfactory rating for the venue in several years, underlining the seriousness of the ICC’s findings.

While a single demerit point does not place the MCG in immediate danger of sanctions, it serves as a formal warning and puts future preparations under closer scrutiny.

Also READ: Ashes 2025/26 – Sunil Gavaskar takes swipe at ICC over pitch ratings after Melbourne Test ends in two days

The Pink City witnessed an electrifying crossover of sports and music last night as Indian cricket’s rising star, Abhishek Sharma, made a surprise appearance at AP Dhillon’s final stop of the “One of One” India Tour. The concert, held at the Jaipur Exhibition & Convention Centre (JECC) on December 28, 2025, reached a fever pitch when the global Punjabi sensation invited the explosive opener to share the spotlight.

AP Dhillon calls Abhishek Sharma on stage in style

As the bass dropped for one of his chart-topping hits, Dhillon paused to introduce a special guest to the thousands in attendance. “Punjabi munda aaya hai yaar itthe!” (A Punjabi boy has come here, friends!) Dhillon announced, sending the crowd into a frenzy.

Abhishek, known for his aggressive batting for India and Sunrisers Hyderabad, walked out looking every bit the rockstar. Sporting a stylish oversized black shirt, trousers, and a pearl necklace, the cricketer shared a warm hug with Dhillon before soaking in the roar of the Jaipur crowd.

The interaction wasn’t just for show; the two shared a genuine moment of camaraderie on stage. Dhillon was heard asking Sharma, “I hope you’re enjoying the show, brother,” to which the cricketer nodded enthusiastically.

Following the event, Abhishek took to Instagram to share a clip of the night, captioning it: “Different arena, same roar. Thank you Jaipur.” Fans quickly flooded the comments, calling it the “crossover of the year” and noting the “unmatched aura” of two Punjabis dominating their respective fields.

Here’s the video:

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Abhishek’s explosive 2025 cements his rise to T20 superstardom

For Abhishek, 2025 has been nothing short of a career-defining year, solidifying his status as the most explosive opening batter in the T20 circuit. The Punjab left-hander began the year with a bang, smashing a record-breaking 135 off just 54 balls against England in February, which remains the highest individual T20I score for India. His dominance continued into the 2025 Asia Cup, where he finished as the tournament’s leading run-scorer (314 runs) and was named Player of the Tournament after leading India to the title.

His domestic and franchise form was equally terrifying for bowlers; he etched his name into the history books by becoming the first Indian to hit 100 sixes in T20 cricket in a single calendar year. In the IPL 2025, he donned the Orange Army colors for Sunrisers Hyderabad and hammered a historic 141 off 55 balls against Punjab Kings, the highest score by an Indian in the league’s history. Ending the year as the ICC’s No. 1 ranked T20I batter with a record-high 931 rating points, Abhishek has officially transitioned from a promising youngster to a global cricketing powerhouse.

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India’s rising wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel produced a breathtaking display of power-hitting in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26, smashing an unbeaten 160 off 101 balls to power Uttar Pradesh to a commanding total against Baroda at the Sanosara Cricket Ground ‘A’.

The knock marked Jurel’s maiden List A century and career-best score, instantly entering Uttar Pradesh folklore with multiple records tumbling in a single innings.

Dhruv Jurel rescues Uttar Pradesh after early wickets

Put in to bat, Uttar Pradesh were wobbling at 92/3 when Jurel walked in at No. 3. Openers Abhishek Goswami (51) and Aryan Juyal (26) had provided a steady 77-run platform, but quick wickets threatened to derail the innings.

Jurel first stabilised proceedings alongside captain Rinku Singh, who chipped in with a fluent 63 off 67 balls. Once set, Jurel flipped the switch, turning consolidation into outright domination.

The most astonishing phase of Jurel’s innings came after he reached three figures. He rocketed from 100 to 150 in only 19 balls, shattering Uttar Pradesh’s all-time record for the fastest List A fifty by a team batter.

His final tally featured 15 fours and 8 sixes, scored at a blistering strike rate of 158.42, as UP surged to 369/7 – their third-highest List A total.

Baroda’s bowlers had no answers once Jurel found his range. Fast bowler Rasikh Salam endured a torrid outing, conceding 55 runs off just 14 balls to Jurel – the most runs ever conceded by a Baroda bowler in a List A innings.

The assault symbolised the mismatch between batter and bowler during Jurel’s peak, as boundaries flowed to all parts of the ground.

Highest individual List A score for UP

Jurel’s unbeaten 160 eclipsed long-standing records to become Uttar Pradesh’s highest individual List A score. He went past:

• Aryan Juyal’s 159 vs Maharashtra (2022)
• Madhav Kaushik’s 158 not out vs Mumbai (2021)

The innings also surpassed Jurel’s own recent highs – 80 off 61 balls vs Hyderabad five days earlier and 67 off 57 vs Chandigarh – highlighting his rapid upward curve.

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Wicketkeeper debate intensifies ahead of New Zealand ODIs

At just 24, Jurel’s knock strengthens his credentials amid the ongoing discussion around India’s backup wicketkeeper options, especially with the Rishabh Pant-Ishan Kishan debate dominating selection chatter ahead of the New Zealand ODI series.

This was Jurel’s third straight fifty-plus score in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, taking his tally to 307 runs in the competition. His recent India A twin centuries against South Africa further bolster his white-ball résumé.

Also READ: Rishabh Pant vs Ishan Kishan – Selectors rethink about backup wicketkeeper for New Zealand ODIs

Hobart Hurricanes produced a composed all-round performance to defeat Melbourne Renegades by four wickets in Match 15 of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26 at the Bellerive Oval. Chasing a competitive target of 163, the Hurricanes held their nerve in a fluctuating run chase, powered by a blistering cameo from Matthew Wade and crucial late contributions, to seal the contest with an over to spare.

Nathan Ellis leads Hobart Hurricanes’ bowling with decisive spell

After being sent in to bat, Melbourne Renegades got off to a brisk start courtesy of aggressive intent from Josh Brown and Tim Seifert. Brown’s 26 off 13 balls and Seifert’s equally quick 26 off 14 ensured early momentum during the powerplay. However, Hobart struck back consistently, preventing any major partnership from taking the game away.

Ollie Peake anchored the middle overs with a steady 29 off 22 balls, while Will Sutherland and Gurinder Sandhu added useful runs lower down the order. Despite these efforts, the Renegades struggled to fully capitalise at the death and finished on 162/9 from their 20 overs.

Nathan Ellis led the Hurricanes’ bowling attack with a decisive spell, picking up three wickets for 30 runs, while Rishad Hossain chipped in with two scalps. Chris Jordan and Riley Meredith provided pace and control, ensuring the Renegades never completely broke free.

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Hurricanes’ chase wobbles before Matthew Wade takes charge

In reply, Hobart Hurricanes experienced early jitters as Mitchell Owen and Ben McDermott departed cheaply. Tim Ward and Beau Webster steadied the innings with a sensible partnership, keeping the chase on track without taking undue risks.

The game turned decisively in Hobart’s favour when Wade walked in and shifted gears instantly. The experienced wicketkeeper-batter smashed 43 off just 20 balls, including four towering sixes, swinging momentum back to the Hurricanes at a crucial juncture. Wade’s fearless approach neutralised the threat posed by Adam Zampa, who otherwise impressed with figures of 3/25.

Rehan Ahmed then played a vital supporting role, striking a fluent 23 off 14 balls to ensure there were no late hiccups. Although a couple of wickets fell towards the end, Hobart crossed the line at 163/6 in 19 overs to complete a well-managed chase.

Player of the match performance by Nathan Ellis ✨#NathanEllis #BBL2025 pic.twitter.com/9PyvT2OkaU

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 29, 2025

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Imad Wasim and his wife Sannia Ashfaq are at the centre of a public controversy after Sannia accused the former Pakistan all-rounder of infidelity involving a “third party,” days after the couple announced their divorce. The pair, who married in 2019 in Islamabad, had been together for six years and share three children.

Sannia’s allegations, shared through a detailed Instagram post, have intensified scrutiny around the separation, contrasting sharply with Imad’s earlier request for privacy.

Sannia Ashfaq details alleged ’emotional torment’

Claims of mistreatment during pregnancies

In her post, Sannia wrote that she had endured “emotional torment, mistreatment, abortion and abandonment” while attempting to hold the family together for the sake of their children. She revealed that the couple has three children, including a five-month-old son whom she claims Imad has yet to hold.

“I am writing this from a place of deep pain,” she wrote. “My home has been broken, and my children have been left without their father. I am a mother of three, including a five-month-old infant who has yet to be held by his father.”

Sannia said she had chosen silence for a long time, but felt compelled to speak out to ensure her side of the story was heard.

Imad and Sannia’s marriage ‘survived difficulties’ until outside intervention

According to Sannia, the marriage faced challenges like many others but had continued despite them. She insisted she remained committed as both a wife and mother, making sincere efforts to preserve the family unit.

“What ultimately ended this marriage was the involvement of a third party, whose intention was to marry my husband,” she added, describing it as the final blow to an already fragile relationship.

Sannia also claimed to possess “documentary evidence” supporting her accusations, while alleging she has faced threats aimed at keeping her silent. She stated that she is prepared to pursue legal action if necessary.

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Following Sannia’s post, social media speculation has pointed towards influencer Naila Raja, after a video filmed in London featuring Imad went viral. However, Raja has publicly denied any involvement, calling the allegations “baseless” and rejecting claims of an affair.

Despite the denial, Sannia’s statement has continued to fuel online discussion, particularly due to the stark contrast between her detailed account and Imad’s earlier message asking for privacy during the separation.

Also READ: Babar Azam left out as Pakistan name T20I squad for Sri Lanka series

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has once again stirred debate around pitch assessments by openly questioning the International Cricket Council (ICC). The batting great has highlighted what he believes are double standards in the way pitch ratings are awarded, using the recently concluded fourth Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground as a prime example.

A two-day Test raises questions over pitch assessment

The Melbourne Test raised eyebrows after it wrapped up inside just two days, with bowlers dominating from the very first session. A staggering 20 wickets fell on Day 1 — the highest number in Australia on an opening day since 1951 — followed by another 16 on Day 2. In total, the match was completed in just 142 overs, an unusually short duration for a Test match at one of cricket’s most iconic venues.

Despite the heavy assistance for bowlers, Gavaskar feels the pitch is unlikely to attract criticism from match officials. Drawing comparisons with the opening Test of the series in Perth, which also ended inside two days yet received a glowing assessment, the former opener suggested that the MCG surface could still escape scrutiny.

Sunil Gavaskar hints at referee-driven ratings for MCG pitch

Gavaskar pointed out that the Perth Test pitch was rated ‘very good’ despite similar conditions leading to a rapid finish. He added a sarcastic twist by suggesting that the rating for the Melbourne pitch may depend more on who is holding the referee’s clipboard than on the actual nature of the surface.

Gavaskar noted that with Jeff Crowe officiating the Melbourne and Sydney Tests instead of Ranjan Madugalle, the wording of the rating could conveniently change. According to him, the removal of the word “very” from “very good” might be the only visible difference, even though more wickets fell in Melbourne than in Perth.

“Since there is a new match referee, Jeff Crowe, for the Melbourne and Sydney Test matches, the rating could be different. Since 36 wickets fell in the Melbourne Test instead of 32 in Perth, Crowe might drop the word ‘very’ from the ‘very good’ that Madugalle gave for the Perth pitch and rate the MCG pitch as good. Surprises never cease, of course, so we may get another rating,” Gavaskar wrote in his column for Sportstar.

Also READ: “I was in a state of shock”: MCG curator breaks silence after farce of two-day Boxing Day Test – Ashes 2025-26

Sarcasm aimed at ‘horrible groundsmen’ narrative

The 75-year-old did not stop there. He also took a dig at how Indian pitch curators are often portrayed by ICC match referees. Gavaskar sarcastically remarked that while curators in Australia may make an occasional “human error,” they are rarely labeled as manipulative — a stark contrast to the harsh language often used for Indian groundsmen.

“The curators, or as we found out about the person in charge at the MCG, the Director of Turf, may make a human error and get it slightly wrong, but they are not as devious as those ‘horrible groundsmen’ in India who do not even prepare a pitch and expect the batters to score runs on them. Tut tut,” Gavaskar added.

Also READ: Ashes 2025-26: Ben Stokes and Steve Smith slam MCG pitch after 4th Test ends in two days