Vaishnavi Sharma finally had her moment to cherish on the international stage during the second T20I against Sri Lanka Women. The young Indian off-spinner broke through at a crucial phase, ending a long wait for her first wicket. It was a dismissal that carried both relief and redemption after earlier heartbreak during first game. Smiles all around as teammates rushed in to celebrate a milestone wicket.

IND-W vs SL-W, 2nd T20I: Maiden international wicket for Vaishnavi Sharma

The breakthrough came in the 17th over when Vaishnavi induced a false sweep from Nilakshika Silva, a dismissal that had been threatening to arrive much earlier. Bowling a length delivery drifting into leg stump, Vaishnavi tempted Nilakshika into playing the sweep, but the batter could only manage a top edge. Positioned perfectly at short fine leg, Shree Charani made no mistake this time, completing a straightforward catch to seal the moment.

The significance of the wicket went beyond the scorecard, especially after Charani had dropped a sitter in the same position in the previous game, denying Vaishnavi what should have been her maiden scalp. That missed chance lingered, but this time there was no escape. As the catch was taken, Vaishnavi’s face lit up instantly, followed by a warm hug from Sneh Rana, capturing the emotion of the occasion. Nilakshika departed for 2 off 3 balls, but the wicket symbolized persistence rewarded. Vaishnavi finished with figures 2/32, a modest spell statistically, yet a career-defining one emotionally. It was a reminder that for young bowlers, confidence often begins with that first breakthrough and Vaishnavi finally has hers.

Here’s the video: 

Also READ: IND-W vs SL-W, 2nd T20I: Here’s why Deepti Sharma is not playing today’s match

Shafali Verma’s power-packed fifty sets up India’s emphatic seven-wicket win over Sri Lanka

India delivered a commanding all-round performance to defeat Sri Lanka by seven wickets in the second T20I at Visakhapatnam, sealing the chase with a massive 49 balls to spare and moving 2–0 ahead in the five-match series. After opting to field, India’s bowlers set the tone early, reducing Sri Lanka to 2/1 inside the first over and never allowing them to recover fully.

Chamari Athapaththu and Harshitha Samarawickrama offered resistance with brisk knocks of 31 and 33 respectively, but regular wickets kept Sri Lanka in check. Rana was exceptional through the middle overs, conceding just 11 runs in four overs, while Shree Charani chipped in with two key wickets. Vaishnavi enjoyed a memorable outing, picking up her maiden international wicket and finishing with two scalps. Restrained bowling and sharp fielding ensured Sri Lanka limped to 128/9, a total well below par on a good batting surface.

In reply, India’s chase was headlined by a breathtaking assault from Shafali Verma, who dismantled the Sri Lankan attack with an unbeaten 69 off just 34 balls, striking at over 200. Even after Smriti Mandhana fell early, Shafali and Jemimah Rodrigues stitched together a rapid partnership that effectively ended the contest inside the powerplay. Jemimah’s 26 off 15 provided ideal support, while Harmanpreet Kaur ensured there were no late hiccups before she got departed. India raced to the target in just 11.5 overs, underlining their dominance in all departments and reinforcing their authority in the series with a ruthless, one-sided victory.

Also READ: IND-W vs SL-W: Smriti Mandhana breaks Suzie Bates’ record in T20Is

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

Domestic cricket in India is set for an electric spark as icons Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma return to the Vijay Hazare Trophy this Wednesday. For Kohli, this marks a homecoming to the 50-over domestic format after a staggering 15-year hiatus, while Rohit returns to represent Mumbai for the first time since 2018. Their participation, alongside stars like Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill and KL Rahul, has turned this edition into a high-stakes dress rehearsal for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand. However, despite the massive star power, millions of fans across the country are facing a significant blackout as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) navigates a complex logistical and broadcasting landscape.

The real reason behind no telecast of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 matches

As per NDTV Sports report, The primary reason fans will not see Kohli and Rohit on their screens is a simple matter of infrastructure. On the opening day of the tournament, all 38 teams are in action simultaneously across 19 different matches. The BCCI traditionally only provides full broadcasting and streaming setups for a select few games due to the immense cost and technical requirements of multi-camera coverage. For the 2025–26 season, high-definition broadcast facilities have only been established at two primary hubs: the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad and the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot.

Since Rohit Sharma’s Mumbai is playing in Jaipur and Kohli’s Delhi has been moved to a facility in Bengaluru that lacks broadcasting infrastructure, neither match falls within the current televised window. While some reports initially suggested Star Sports and JioHotstar would carry the tournament, they will only be showing the matches held at the two designated broadcast venues.

🚨 No Live Telecast of Rohit & Virat in VHT 🚨

– No broadcast of Rohit Sharma’s match (Jaipur)
– No broadcast of Virat Kohli’s match (CoE)
– Only two Vijay Hazare Trophy games will be streamed
– Telecast available on Hotstar & Star Sports
– Venues being covered: NMS Ground &… pic.twitter.com/6IfTyvkCYM

— Vipin Tiwari (@Vipintiwari952) December 23, 2025

VHT 2025-26 matches behind closed doors for Kohli

While Rohit Sharma fans in Jaipur still have the chance to watch their captain from the stands, the situation in Bengaluru has taken a far more restrictive turn for Virat Kohli. Just 24 hours before the opening match, the Karnataka government and local police denied permission for the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium to host Delhi’s fixtures. The match has been shifted to the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) on the outskirts of the city, and in a crushing blow to local fans, it will be played behind closed doors

As per Times of India, The decision stems from a combination of factors:

• Security Concerns: Local police are stretched thin managing Christmas and year-end festivities in the Central Business District.
• Safety Legacy: Authorities remain cautious following a tragic stampede outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium during RCB’s IPL celebrations earlier in June, which resulted in 11 deaths.
• Infrastructure Issues: The stadium has yet to fully implement safety recommendations from the Justice Cunha Commission report, which recently described the venue as “unsafe for large gatherings.”

However, there is still a glimmer of hope for a digital broadcast. Earlier this year, a Ranji Trophy match involving Delhi was not originally scheduled for streaming, but the BCCI reversed its decision at the eleventh hour following immense public demand to see Kohli in action. However, as it stands, the lack of fixed broadcast equipment at the CoE in Bengaluru and the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur remains the definitive hurdle. For now, Kohli and the Rohit will be performing their domestic duties largely out of the public eye.

Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Stadium delivered a nerve-jangling spectacle as Sharjah Warriorz edged Abu Dhabi Knight Riders by four wickets off the final ball in Match 25 of ILT20 2025-26. A low-scoring thriller swung repeatedly before Warriorz, anchored by James Rew and finished by Adil Rashid, hunted down 135 to keep their playoff hopes flickering.​

Ethan D’Souza takes an incredible diving catch to dismiss Unmukt Chand in ILT20 game

Having been reduced to 10 for 4 inside the first four overs after a new-ball burst from Taskin Ahmed and Wasim Akram, Knight Riders clawed their way back through a stabilising stand between Sherfane Rutherford and Unmukt Chand. Rutherford’s 44 off 36 balls and Chand’s 24 off 22 deliveries rebuilt the innings from a perilous 48 for 5 to 100 for 6, setting up a potential late surge.​

That revival was dramatically halted in the 18th over when Ethan D’Souza produced a jaw-dropping diving catch at deep midwicket to end Chand’s stay. Rashid tossed up a googly on a back-of-length line, Chand swivel-pulled towards the leg-side fence, and D’Souza, sprinting hard to his left, flung himself full-stretch to complete a two-handed grab inches from the turf, a moment that instantly went viral in highlight packages. The dismissal left Chand gone for 24 with Knight Riders sliding to 102 for 7 in 17.2 overs, once again exposing their fragile lower order.​

Rashid, who had already choked the scoring with his variations, capitalised on the breakthrough to run through the tail. He removed Andre Russell for a 12-ball 18 with another boundary‑riding take involving D’Souza, before Jason Holder’s six-ball 14 also ended in the deep, completing figures of 3 for 18 as Knight Riders were restricted to 134 for 9. With only 6 extras and just one partnership crossing 50, the hosts finished below par despite Russell’s late blows and Rutherford’s resistance.​

Here’s the video:

When fielding steals the show 🎬

D’Souza dives, Chand departs, and pressure piles on ADKR 👀#ILT20 pic.twitter.com/q1lNS9CODZ

— FanCode (@FanCode) December 22, 2025

Also WATCH: Shimron Hetmyer pulls off a stunning grab to dismiss Nicholas Pooran in ILT20 2025-26

Sharjah Warriorz clinch last-ball victory against Abu Dhabi Knight Riders

Chasing 135, Warriorz began nervously as Jason Holder and youngster Ajay Kumar struck inside the powerplay to remove Johnson Charles, Monank Patel and then Tom Abell, leaving the visitors 44 for 3. Tom Kohler-Cadmore and captain Sikandar Raza focused on consolidation on a holding Abu Dhabi surface, pushing Warriorz to 51 for 3 at the nine-over strategic timeout and then 78 for 4 after 14 overs, still needing 57 off 36.​

The chase tilted Sharjah’s way when Rew and Raza added a brisk 50-run stand off 32 balls, counterattacking Russell and Olly Stone and taking calculated risks against Sunil Narine. Raza’s 28 off 25 with one four and one six ended at 122 for 5 in the final over of Narine’s spell, but Rew held firm, finishing unbeaten on 42 off 29 balls with four fours and a six to keep the equation manageable into the death.​

Knight Riders fought back with Holder removing Dwaine Pretorius at 123 for 6, forcing Warriorz to find 12 runs off the final over with two new men, Rew and Rashid, at the crease. Russell’s over started tightly, but a crucial no-ball and a deft late dab from Rashid pushed the game to the brink before Rew’s nerveless running ensured the target was reached off the very last ball, sealing a 4-wicket win with scores level on the penultimate delivery. Rashid’s all-round impact – 3 for 18 with the ball and 2 not out in the chase – earned him Player of the Match, while D’Souza’s spectacular catch supplied the enduring image of a gripping ILT20 finale under lights in Abu Dhabi.

Also WATCH: Sam Curran plucks a screamer to remove Gulbadin Naib and mimics Afghan star’s signature celebration in ILT20 2025-26

The battle for supremacy in the five-match T20I series continues as India and Sri Lanka are facing off in the second encounter at the ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam.

After a clinical eight-wicket victory on Sunday, the Women in Blue entered today’s match with the momentum of world champions but faced an unexpected hurdle at the toss. India once again won the coin flip and elected to field, looking to exploit the evening dew that played a significant role in the series opener. However, the biggest talking point of the evening arrived before the first ball was bowled, with the team sheets revealing a major absence in the Indian lineup. The hosts are forced to navigate this crucial fixture without their premier all-rounder Deepti Sharma, while a resilient Sri Lanka side has opted for stability in their quest for an equalizer.

Reason behind Deepti Sharma from IND-W vs SL-W 2nd T20I

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur confirmed that the world’s top-ranked bowler would miss the second T20I due to illness. Despite the setback, Harmanpreet remained confident in her squad’s depth, handing a comeback to fellow off-spinner Sneh Rana. India’s decision to bowl first mirrors their successful strategy from the first game, aiming to keep the target within reach before the pitch slows down. Harmanpreet addressed the lineup change during the toss, stating, “Deepti is not well today, she has a fever, so Sneh Rana comes back into the side.”

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu showed immense faith in her unit by naming an unchanged playing XI, despite their heavy loss on Sunday. Athapaththu emphasized the need for a mental shift rather than a personnel change, remarking, “We are going with the same XI. I am still confident in my team, we’ve backed a few youngsters and want to give them more opportunities. The key for us is to play positive cricket in the middle overs. In the last game we played a few shots behind square. Today, we want to play straighter – focus more on long-on and long-off, play to our strengths and build partnerships. Hopefully, our batters step up today.”

Also READ: Jemimah Rodrigues, bowlers propel India to comprehensive win over Sri Lanka in 1st T20I

A historic milestone: Deepti ascends to world number one

Meanwhile, in a moment of immense pride for Indian cricket, veteran all-rounder Deepti officially became the number one-ranked T20I bowler in the world for the first time in her illustrious career. The International Cricket Council (ICC) updated its rankings on Tuesday afternoon, rewarding Deepti for her consistent excellence and her match-defining spell in the series opener. Her economical figures of 1/20 in four overs on Sunday earned her the vital rating points needed to leapfrog Australia’s Annabel Sutherland.

Deepti now sits at the pinnacle with 737 rating points, narrowly leading Sutherland by a single point. This achievement follows a sensational 2025 season where she was also named the Player of the Tournament at the Women’s ODI World Cup. Reflecting on her growth, experts noted that her ability to stifle batters in the powerplay and provide breakthroughs at the death has made her the most feared off-spinner in the shortest format.

Also READ: IND-W vs SL-W: Smriti Mandhana breaks Suzie Bates’ record in T20Is

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

In a thrilling encounter at Adelaide Oval on Tuesday, Melbourne Stars secured a commanding six-wicket win over Adelaide Strikers in the 10th match of Big Bash League season 15. Chasing 156, Stars cruised home in 18.1 overs, boosting their top-table position while denting Strikers’ early momentum. Tom Curran earned Player of the Match honours with a match-defining 3/35 spell that dismantled the Strikers’ top order.​

Tom Curran dazzles with three wickets against Adelaide Strikers

Adelaide Strikers openers crumbled under Curran’s searing pace right from the powerplay, losing two wickets for just seven runs in 1.4 overs. Curran struck first in the 1.2 over, shattering Chris Lynn’s timber with an off-cutter that nipped back sharply, ending Lynn’s stay at 4 off 4 balls after a scratchy start. Just two balls later, Jason Sangha‘s stumps bamboozled to a vicious leg-cutter that jagged off the seam, leaving Strikers reeling at 7/2 and silencing the home crowd.​

Matthew Short steadied the innings with a gritty captain’s knock of 56 off 42 balls, featuring four boundaries and reaching his fifty in 38 deliveries amid a tense phase. He partnered Liam Scott for a crucial 55-run stand for the third wicket, pushing Strikers to 50 in 6.5 overs despite extras mounting to seven leg-byes early on. Stars’ review against Alex Ross at 9.5 overs failed, but Peter Siddle‘s experience shone through with Ross’s catch at 15.4 overs, curtailing a budding 28-run alliance.​

Curran returned to claim Short at 13.4 overs, caught by Marcus Stoinis after a lofted mishit, triggering a collapse from 110/4 to 141/8. Haris Rauf‘s late double strike—Jamie Overton at 16.5 and Jerrssis Wadia plus Harry Nielsen in the 18th over—sealed Strikers at 155/8 in 20 overs, with Henry Thornton unbeaten on 12 off six balls including a six. Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Swepson kept economy tight at 7.00 and 6.25, while Siddle’s 1/23 proved economical on a pitch offering seam movement.​

Also WATCH: Tom Curran knocks over Jason Sangha’s stumps with an absolute ripper in BBL|15

Melbourne Stars edge past Strikers with a commanding chase

Melbourne Stars exploded in the powerplay, racing to 52 without loss in four overs, highlighted by a blistering 50-run opening stand in just 24 balls between Joe Clarke and Sam Harper. Harper blazed to his fifty off 35 balls with five fours and two sixes, his aggressive strokeplay including towering blows that exploited the short boundaries. Clarke fell at 67/1 in 6.6 overs to Lloyd Pope, but the platform was set.​

Harper departed at 90/2 in 9.5 overs, caught by Short off Overton, yet Campbell Kellaway‘s 28 off 22 kept momentum with a six and two fours. Maxwell’s brief stay ended at 96/3 via Hasan Ali, but skipper Stoinis anchored with an unbeaten 32 off 22, featuring three fours and a match-winning six over long-on to seal victory at 161/4. Hilton Cartwright chipped in 10 not out off seven, ensuring Stars crossed 150 in 17.1 overs with 11 balls spare at a run rate of 8.86.​

Strikers’ bowlers struggled post-powerplay; Short conceded 27 in 2.1 overs, Overton 39 in four despite a wicket, and Ali’s 2/25 offered resistance too late. Stars’ table-topping net run rate improved further, now second behind Hobart Hurricanes after two wins, while Strikers slipped following their promising start.

A comfortable win for Melbourne Stars 💪🏏#BBL15 pic.twitter.com/EoDVsWUCUK

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 23, 2025

Also READ: Matthew Gilkes powers Sydney Thunder to impressive win over Brisbane Heat in BBL|15

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has officially announced the 15-player squad for the 2026 ICC Men’s U19 World Cup, with Somerset’s rising star Thomas Rew named as captain. The tournament, set to be hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia, will see England’s “Young Lions” look to reclaim the trophy they last won in 1998.

Thomas Rew takes the helm

Rew, a prolific wicketkeeper-batter, has been a standout performer in the youth circuit, recently making headlines with a record-breaking 73-ball century against India U19s earlier this year. Having already gained experience with the England Lions, Rew’s leadership is seen as pivotal for a squad brimming with county experience.

He will be supported by Nottinghamshire all-rounder Farhan Ahmed, who has been named vice-captain. Ahmed, the younger brother of England senior international Rehan Ahmed, recently led the side during the youth ODI series in the West Indies.

Fresh faces and proven talent

The squad features a mix of established domestic names and exciting new prospects. Leicestershire’s left-arm spinner Ali Farooq earns his first call-up to the national youth side after impressive performances in the second XI championship. Other notable inclusions include Surrey’s Ralphie Albert and Alex French, both of whom have already made their professional debuts in the Metro Bank One Day Cup.

Also READ: Jacques Kallis explains why South Africa have a real shot at winning T20 World Cup 2026

Group C and tournament outlook

England have been placed in Group C alongside co-hosts Zimbabwe, Pakistan, and Scotland. They are scheduled to play all their group-stage matches at the Takashinga Sports Club in Harare. The tournament officially begins on January 15, 2026, with the final scheduled to take place at the historic Harare Sports Club on February 6.

England squad for U19 World Cup 2026: Thomas Rew (c), Farhan Ahmed, Ralphie Albert, Ben Dawkins, Caleb Falconer, Ali Farooq, Alex French, Alex Green, Luke Hands, Manny Lumsden, Ben Mayes, James Minto, Isaac Mohammed, Joe Moores, Sebastian Morgan.

Also READ: Australia name strong squad for U19 World Cup 2026, Oliver Peake to lead

In the 10th match of Big Bash League 2025-26 at Adelaide Oval on Tuesday, Melbourne Stars captain Marcus Stoinis won the toss and elected to field against Adelaide Strikers, setting up a high-stakes night clash under lights. The Strikers struggled early, losing two quick wickets for just seven runs in the powerplay, but mounted a recovery to post a competitive 155/8 in their 20 overs at a run rate of 7.75. Stars’ bowlers, led by Tom Curran‘s fiery spell, restricted the hosts despite a brisk half-century from skipper Matthew Short.​

Tom Curran produces a peach to remove Jason Sangha

Tom Curran produced an absolute beauty in the 1.4th over, dismantling Jason Sangha‘s stumps and leaving the Strikers reeling at 7/2. The English all-rounder bowled a shorter length delivery that nipped away just enough off the pitch, deceiving Sangha who lunged forward and misjudged the line completely, resulting in the off-stump being uprooted. Sangha departed for a golden duck off two balls (0x4, 0x6, SR: 0), marking Curran’s second strike in the same over after earlier removing Chris Lynn for 4. This double blow showcased Curran’s early fire, finishing with impressive figures of 4-0-35-3, including another key scalp of Short for 56.​

Curran’s magic swung momentum firmly towards Stars, who sit second on the points table after a dominant eight-wicket win over Hobart Hurricanes in their opener. The 30-year-old, known for his BBL pedigree, exploited the conditions perfectly at Adelaide Oval, where pacers often find seam movement. Sangha’s failure added to Strikers’ top-order woes, as they eyed back-to-back wins following a thrilling chase against Sydney Sixers.​

Here’s the video:

SEED!

First he bowled Chris Lynn, now Tom Curran has knocked over Jason Sangha 💥 #BBL15 pic.twitter.com/MTf7OJjLTm

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 23, 2025

Also READ: Matthew Gilkes powers Sydney Thunder to impressive win over Brisbane Heat in BBL|15

Adelaide Strikers recover after early blows to register a fighting total against Melbourne Stars

Adelaide Strikers recovered from their horror start through a gritty 55-run stand for the third wicket between Matthew Short (56 off 42, 4×4) and Liam Scott (25 off 19, 2×4, 1×6), reaching 50 in 6.5 overs. Short anchored the innings, bringing up his fifty off 38 balls, but fell at 110/4 in the 13.4th over, caught off Curran. Alex Ross chipped in with 22 off 21 before edging Peter Siddle behind, while late cameos from Henry Thornton (12* off 6, 1×6) and Hasan Ali (6* off 6, 1×4) pushed the total past 150 in the 19.2nd over.​

Haris Rauf claimed three late wickets (4-0-28-3), including ducks for Harry Nielsen and Jerrssis Wadia (7), while Siddle (4-0-23-1) and Stoinis (2-0-23-1, lbw Scott) kept things tight. The powerplay yielded 32/2, drinks at 83/3 after 10 overs, and a final five-over burst of 38/4 highlighted a collapse from 129/6. Stars now chase 156, with win probability at 70% post-innings break, testing their explosive top order on a pitch offering assistance to seamers.​

This encounter pits two in-form sides, with Stars boasting Stoinis’ recent 62no and Siddle’s three-fer from their opener. Strikers’ total keeps them in the hunt for a third straight win, but Curran’s early burst sets the tone for a tense chase.

Also READ: BBL|15: Chris Jordan, Nikhil Chaudhary run riot as Melbourne Renegades crumble

In a landmark decision that promises to redefine the landscape of women’s cricket in India, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a substantial increase in match fees for the domestic women cricketers. This historic move, approved during an Apex Council meeting on December 22, 2024, will see match fees more than double across all categories, marking a monumental step towards achieving pay parity and professionalizing the sport for women at the grassroots level.

Coming hot on the heels of India’s glorious maiden Women’s ODI World Cup victory in November 2024, this initiative solidifies the BCCI’s commitment to fostering a robust and rewarding ecosystem for its female athletes. It’s a clear signal that the board is ready to back its words with concrete financial incentives, making cricket a more viable and attractive career path for aspiring women cricketers across the nation.

Doubling down on dreams: The new pay structure for India’s women cricketers

The revised fee structure is nothing short of revolutionary, particularly for senior players, whose daily match fees have been effectively multiplied by 2.5 times. This dramatic increase aims to bridge the financial gap that has historically existed between men’s and women’s domestic cricket, offering unprecedented financial security and recognition.

Also READ: “We love you Smriti…we do”: Vizag crowd sings for Smriti Mandhana – here’s the viral video

A pay rise that strengthens the entire women’s cricket ecosystem

• Annual earnings: Under the previous structure, a senior domestic player earned roughly ₹2 lakh per season. With this hike, a top domestic player featuring in all formats can now earn between ₹12 lakh and ₹14 lakh annually.
• Pay parity: The new daily fee of ₹50,000 matches the rate for many domestic male cricketers (specifically those who have played between 21 and 40 Ranji Trophy games).
• Match officials: The hike isn’t just for players; umpires and match referees will also see their fees increased to a range of ₹40,000 to ₹60,000 per day depending on the match stage.

Also READ: IND-W vs SL-W: Smriti Mandhana breaks Suzie Bates’ record in T20Is

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

The aggressive and high-octane ‘Bazball’ era of England cricket has officially hit a wall, following a devastating 3-0 Ashes series defeat that saw Australia retain the urn in just 11 days of play. In the wake of this humiliation, legendary opener Sir Geoffrey Boycott has emerged as the loudest voice calling for an immediate and total overhaul of the team’s leadership. Writing in his column for The Daily Telegraph, Boycott argued that the ultra-aggressive philosophy which once liberated England has now devolved into a dangerous form of arrogance.

Sir Geoffrey Boycott on failure of England’s current Test strategy under Brendon McCullum after Ashes 2025-26 defeat

Boycott did not mince words when diagnosing the failure of England’s current Test strategy, declaring that the novelty of ‘Bazball’ has finally been extinguished by the clinical efficiency of the Australian attack. While he acknowledged the initial energy that the Brendon McCullum–Ben Stokes partnership brought to a struggling side, he argued that their refusal to compromise has turned a positive mindset into a liability.

Boycott’s critique centers on the idea that England has prioritized entertainment over results, leading to a ‘gung-ho’ style of play that collapses under the weight of genuine pressure from world-class bowling. He insisted that the team’s failure to adjust their tempo according to the match situation is not a sign of bravery, but rather a catastrophic lack of common sense. The legendary batter believed that the philosophy has become a rigid doctrine that ignores the technical requirements of the five-day game, ultimately leaving the players exposed and directionless.

“A lot of credit should go to Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes for what they have done for our cricket, but it is obvious that Bazball has run its race. Hubris has taken over from common sense and that cannot be allowed to carry on. Stokes and McCullum are like men digging a hole to nowhere. If what you are doing isn’t working, then stop digging. Change is absolutely necessary to step up to the next level.” Boycott wrote.

“What would I do? Change the coach. We are tired of this duo talking a good game but not delivering against the best teams, so Rob Key, it is time for you to assert yourself. They don’t accept the fact that when England come under pressure against the ‘Big Two’ (India and Australia), they are found wanting in technique, unable to think on their feet and adjust to the rhythm of Test cricket. They are so stubborn and will not listen to anyone, always insisting their way is the only way.” the former England legend added.

Also WATCH: Rohit Sharma takes a cheeky dig at England after their poor show in Ashes 2025–26

Boycott puts forward 2 names as McCullum’s successor as England’s coach in test cricket

As the calls for McCullum’s dismissal grow louder, Boycott has provided a clear roadmap for the ECB, identifying specific individuals who could bring the necessary discipline back to the dressing room. He argues that the England coaching role remains one of the most coveted positions in world sport and should attract candidates who prioritize tactical flexibility over fixed ideologies.

Boycott specifically championed former Australian pacer Jason Gillespie and England stalwart Alec Stewart as the ideal figures to lead a ‘post-Bazball’ recovery. By suggesting these names, he is advocating for a return to a more traditional, “thinking” style of cricket where players are encouraged to use their brains rather than simply following a reckless mandate to attack. The goal, according to Boycott, is to find a leader who can balance the natural talents of the squad with the strategic patience required to win Test series against the sport’s superpowers.

“Many people would cherish the England coach’s job because it is very high profile and exceptionally well paid. Jason Gillespie did a great job at Yorkshire, or they could go for an English coach like Alec Stewart. I would like this ‘gung-ho’ batting to stop. I realise it has been ingrained over three years but we have to get it out of them. It may take a little time but it can be done.” the ex-England opener stated.

“We were always told to use our brain. A thinking cricketer is a better cricketer. Nobody wants dour, defensive cricket, but let’s get back to textbook cricket with guys assessing the situation, thinking on their feet, and batting with discipline. If there is no change in personnel and attitude then you get the same cricket and the same failures. There has to be a shift in policy, ideas and mindset for England to go to the next level. Stewart or Gillespie would bring authority and balance to the squad.” Boycott concluded.

Also READ: England captain Ben Stokes opens up on another Ashes series defeat in Australia

Former India captain Rohit Sharma lit up a Gurugram event with a sharp, humorous remark targeting England‘s dismal Ashes 2025-26 campaign against Australia. Speaking at the Masters’ Union convocation, the Mumbai batter highlighted the brutal challenge of Test cricket Down Under amid England’s 3-0 series deficit after crushing defeats in Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide. Australia clinched the series-retaining win by 82 runs in the third Test, equaling the shortest Ashes decision period in a century.​

England’s Ben Stokes-led side crumbled in all three matches, losing the openers by eight wickets each inside three days before folding while chasing 435 in Adelaide. Mitchell Starc‘s 3-62 and Scott Boland‘s decisive blow sealed England’s fate at 352 all out, extending their winless streak in Australia to 18 Tests since 2011. Head coach Brendon McCullum faces mounting pressure, with ex-players calling for change as Australia retained the Urn for the fourth straight time post-2017-18.​

Rohit Sharma delivers cheeky jab at England’s Ashes 2025-26 woes in Australia

Rohit, reflecting on India’s iconic 2021 Gabba triumph despite injuries and debutants, drove home Australia’s fortress status. “Australia mein khelna sabse difficult hai, aap England ko puch hi sakte ho,” he quipped, translating to “Playing in Australia is the toughest; just ask England.” The line, delivered with his signature wit, recalled Rishabh Pant‘s match-winning knock and Tim Paine‘s pre-game comments, underscoring how India defied odds for a historic series win.​​

The remark resonated across cricket circles, amplifying fan banter as England eyes pride in the final two Tests to dodge a 5-0 whitewash—their fourth in Ashes history. Rohit’s timely troll, amid his own recent ODI ton in Australia on October 25, 2025, reaffirms his stature as a candid voice in global cricket.​​

Here’s the video:

Rohit Sharma said : “Playing in Australia is the most difficult you can ask England about it.” 😭😂🔥

bRO just owned England and @TheBarmyArmy 🤣😆🙏 pic.twitter.com/qvXQWMQNe3

— 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐢𝐢⁴⁵ (@rushiii_12) December 21, 2025

Also READ: Key reasons why Shubman Gill was dropped from India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad at the last moment

Rohit set to return for Mumbai in Vijay Hazare Trophy

Shifting gears, Rohit eyes domestic action, named in Mumbai’s squad for the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 opener. The 50-over event kicks off December 24 at Jaipur’s Sawai Mansingh Stadium, with Shardul Thakur captaining.​

Mumbai faces Sikkim first on December 24, followed by Uttarakhand on December 26—Rohit’s confirmed availability before rejoining India for January’s New Zealand ODI series. His last full Vijay Hazare stint in 2018-19 featured a match-winning unbeaten knock against Bihar in quarters, aiding Mumbai’s title. Fans anticipate fireworks from the Hitman, blending his international pedigree with Ranji hopefuls in Elite Group C.

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