File Pic: Fred Spofforth (Getty Images)

On this day — January 2 — 147 years ago, Australian fast bowler Fred Spofforth became the first bowler to take a hat-trick in Test cricket history. Spofforth achieved the historic feat at the Melbourne Cricket Ground way back in 1879, helping the hosts bundle out England for 113 in the first innings of the Test match.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!A hat-trick in cricket remains a fascinating achievement for bowlers even today because of its impact on the proceedings of a contest. It can turn the momentum upside down as the batting line-up loses three wickets in three balls, giving the bowling side a clear edge.

Spofforth’s achievement almost one-and-a-half centuries ago was one such turning point in the contest, leaving the opponents struggling to put up a fight as Australia won the match by 10 wickets. It was just the second Test match for Spofforth, and he knocked over three English batters in consecutive deliveries to start one of the most fascinating feats in the game of cricket.Who was Fred Spofforth?The tall pacer was born on September 9, 1853, in Balmain, Sydney. The right-arm fast bowler made his international debut for Australia against England at Melbourne in March 1877.He went on to play 18 matches for Australia in his 10-year international career from 1877 to 1887, taking an impressive 94 wickets at a stunning average of 18.41. He took seven five-wicket hauls in his career and four ten-wicket hauls, with best bowling figures of 7 for 44.

The Sydney Test in January 1887 against England was his last appearance for the Aussies.Even though his Test career lasted just 10 years, Spofforth had a long 23-year first-class career from 1874/75 to 1887/88. He took an astounding 853 wickets in 155 first-class matches, including 84 five-wicket hauls and 32 ten-wicket match hauls. His career-best first-class figures were 9 for 18, and he had a career first-class bowling average of a sub-15 — 14.95.

After making his debut at the same venue in March 1877, Spofforth got the chance to represent Australia again after more than a year, in January 1879. Spofforth took just four wickets in his debut match, but the story was about to turn drastically this time around.England opted to bat first after winning the toss on that fateful day. Spofforth started with a bang, removing England opener George Ulyett for a duck. His bowling partner Frank Allan then dismissed Alexander Webbe and Bunny Lucas, before Spofforth made Monkey Hornby his second victim of the day. England were struggling at 14/4 at that time before slowly reaching 26 for 4.Spofforth then produced the most famous three consecutive deliveries to create Test history. He removed The Revd Vernon Royle, Francis MacKinnon and Tom Emmett to reduce England to 26/7. The burst gave Spofforth his first Test five-wicket haul too.England were in dire straits before captain Lord Harris (33) and Charlie Absolom (52) steadied the ship somewhat with a 63-run stand for the eighth wicket. But the visitors soon folded for 113, with Spofforth taking another wicket to finish with figures of 6 for 48 in 25 overs.Despite Emmett’s 7 for 68, Australia managed to take a solid 143-run first-innings lead, scoring 256. Alec Bannerman was the top-scorer for Australia with 73, as seven more batters scored double-digit knocks in the innings.England failed to improve much in the second innings too, with Spofforth and Allan wreaking havoc once again. In fact, Spofforth bettered his career-best figures from the first innings with 7 for 62 in 35 overs in the second. There was no hat-trick in the second innings, but Spofforth signed off the match with two five-wicket hauls and a match haul of 13 for 110.Six England batters crossed the double-digit mark in their second innings, compared to just two in the first, but they managed to put up only 160 on the board, giving Australia a mere 18-run target. Australia knocked off the target in just 2.3 overs to win the match by a commanding 10 wickets.It was a stunning show from Spofforth — two five-wicket hauls in the match and a historic first hat-trick in Test cricket.

Sunil Chhetri (ANI Photo)

India’s top footballers have come together to make an emotional appeal to FIFA, asking the world governing body to step in as the Indian Super League (ISL) remains suspended with no clear return date. The appeal includes senior Indian players like Sunil Chhetri, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and Sandhesh Jhingan, along with several foreign players who play in the ISL. The players said the continued delay of the 2025–26 ISL season has created deep uncertainty and fear. They warned that Indian football is slowly moving towards a complete standstill if the situation is not resolved soon. “It’s January and we should be on your screens as apart of a competitive football game in the Indian Super League,” Gurpreet said in a joint video shared on social media. “Instead, here we are driven by fear and desperation to say aloud something which we all know,” Jhingan added. In the video, the players said that the All India Football Federation (AIFF) is no longer able to manage the crisis and protect the future of football in the country. They asked FIFA to intervene and help bring stability back to the game. “But more importantly, we are here to make a plea. Indian football governance is no longer able to fulfil its responsibilities. We are now staring at a permanent paralysis. This is the last-ditch effort to save what we can. So we are calling the FIFA to step in and do what it takes to save Indian football,” the players said. They also made it clear that their message was not political but based on urgent need. “We hope this message gets to the power that are in Zurich. This call is not political, it is not driven by confrontation but by necessity. It might sound like a big word but the truth is that we are facing a humanitarian, sporting and economic crisis. And of course, we need rescuing at the earliest. We just want to play football, please help us do it,” they said. Sunil Chhetri ended the appeal by stressing the impact on everyone involved. “Players, staff, owners and the fans deserve clarity, protection and more importantly, a future,” he added. The ISL season was put on hold in July due to uncertainty over the renewal of the Master Rights Agreement between the AIFF and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL). The deal expired in December, leading to legal issues and Supreme Court involvement. A fresh tender for ISL’s commercial rights also failed to attract bidders. With the season still delayed, clubs are worried about finances and player contracts. Thirteen of the fourteen ISL clubs have told the AIFF they may play if there is no participation fee and the federation covers operational costs. The delay also threatens clubs’ chances of qualifying for the AFC Champions League 2, as they may not meet the minimum match requirement.

Zimbabwe Cricket has announced a 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup 2026, which will be played in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. The team will be led by experienced all-rounder Sikandar Raza, who continues as captain as Zimbabwe aim to perform strongly on the world stage.The selectors have mostly backed the same group of players, showing faith in a settled core. The only new name in the squad is fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani, who has returned to full fitness. He was not part of the team that played the T20I triangular series in Pakistan in November, which also included Sri Lanka. His comeback is seen as a big boost for Zimbabwe’s bowling attack.

Muzarabani will lead the pace unit along with left-arm fast bowler Richard Ngarava. They will be supported by fast bowlers like Bradley Evans and Tinotenda Maposa. This mix allows Zimbabwe to adapt to different conditions they may face in India and Sri Lanka.In the spin department, Zimbabwe have gone with experience. Veteran spinner Graeme Cremer has been recalled to the squad and will partner Wellington Masakadza.Young batters Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani will be looking to catch eyes in their first T20 World Cup. Wicketkeeper-batter Brendan Taylor will also be there to add some much-needed experience to the roster.All-rounder Ryan Burl is also there. Tashinga Musekiwa, Clive Madande, Tony Munyonga, and Dion Myers complete a flexible and well-rounded squad.Zimbabwe are in Group B, where they will face Australia, Ireland, Oman, and co-hosts Sri Lanka. The top two teams from the group will qualify for the Super Eight stage.Zimbabwe will begin their campaign against Oman on February 9 in Colombo. They will then play Australia on February 13, Ireland on February 17 in Kandy, and finish their group matches against Sri Lanka on February 19 in Colombo.Zimbabwe squad: Sikandar Raza (captain), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Graeme Cremer, Bradley Evans, Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Brendan Taylor.

Shubman Gill and Erling Haaland

A photo of India men’s ODI and Test cricket team captain Shubman Gill with footballer Erling Haaland has gone viral on social media, which has become a point of excitement among fans of both sports. They exchanged jerseys and shoes in a never-seen-before crossover moment between cricket and football.

Shubman Gill and Erling Haaland are among the biggest names in world sport today. Both are still young but are already considered one of the best in their fields. Their popularity goes far beyond their countries.In videos and pictures shared online, Haaland can be seen signing a pair of football boots and handing them to Gill. Gill returned the gesture by giving Haaland a pair of shoes signed by him. The two later posed together for photos, standing arm in arm. The 26-year-old Indian batter was also seen holding a Norway jersey, which Haaland wears while playing international football.

Who is Erling Haaland?

Erling Haaland is a 25-year-old Norwegian professional footballer, having gradually established himself as one of the most dangerous strikers in the world. Currently playing for Manchester City in the Premier League and representing Norway at the international level, Haaland has broken several scoring records at a very young ageBefore joining Manchester City, Haaland became famous during his days with Borussia Dortmund. Wth City, he was pivotal during City’s historic treble-winning season. The tall marksman has also helped the club win the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League.With the Scandinavian having already found the net 149 times from 170 appearances for the English side across all competitions, his tendency to score goals regularly against the best defenders has made him one of the most feared forwards.Haaland will represent Norway at the FIFA World Cup 2026 later this year. Norway have qualified for the tournament for the first time since 1998, with Haaland leading the charge for his country.

England captain Ben Stokes speaks with coach Brendon McCullum (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

England captain Ben Stokes has strongly backed head coach Brendon McCullum ahead of the final Test of the Ashes 2025–26 at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Even though England have already lost the series, Stokes made it clear that he still believes in McCullum and feels their partnership is very important for the team’s future.Stokes said he has no doubts about wanting McCullum to continue as England’s head coach. At the same time, he accepted that losing the Ashes means both of them must take a hard look at what has gone wrong and find ways to improve the team.

Speaking before the Sydney Test, Stokes said, “There is no doubt in my mind that Brendon and I are the right people to carry on doing this for the near future. I have thoroughly enjoyed the time I have worked with Brendon. I cannot see there being someone else who I could take this team with from where we are now to even bigger heights.”He added that the responsibility lies with both the captain and the coach to raise the team’s level. “So for us as captain and coach, when we do have the time off, we need to put our heads together and go, What is it that we think we need to do to go to the next level?’’ Stokes said.Brendon McCullum took charge of England’s men’s Test team in May 2022. His appointment marked the beginning of the aggressive and positive style of play known as “Bazball.” The approach brought quick success, and in 2024, McCullum was named England’s all-format coach. He officially began handling both Test and white-ball teams in January 2025.Under Stokes and McCullum, England made a strong start. They won 10 of their first 11 Test matches together, which raised expectations. However, results have been inconsistent since then. In their last 34 Tests, England have won 16 and lost 16, with two matches ending in draws. They have also failed to win a major five-Test series against traditional rivals Australia or India.In the ongoing Ashes series, England are trailing Australia 3-1. While the trophy is already out of reach, England will be keen to finish the tour on a positive note. The final Test begins on January 4 at the Sydney Cricket Ground, where Stokes and his team will be aiming for a victory.

Ryan Rickelton (AP Photo)

South Africa have announced their squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup and made a few big and surprising decisions. Young fast bowler Kwena Maphaka and top-order batter Jason Smith have been included in the team. However, there is no place for batters Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs. Jason Smith’s selection comes after his strong recent performances. He has been in good form in T20 cricket and earned his spot ahead of Stubbs, who was part of South Africa’s squad that finished runners-up in the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Smith made his T20I debut in 2024 and has a strike rate of 128.30. He is currently playing for MI Cape Town in the SA20 league. One of his best recent knocks came in the T20 Challenge in November, where he smashed an unbeaten 68 runs off just 19 balls to help the Dolphins reach the playoffs. Ryan Rickelton, on the other hand, could not make the cut in a team already filled with top-order players. Captain Aiden Markram and wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock are among the main options at the top of the order. Along with Smith and Maphaka, several players have received their first-ever T20 World Cup call-up. These include Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, and George Linde. South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad spoke about the team’s preparation and conditions in the subcontinent. He said, “We are returning to the subcontinent, where we recently competed against hosts India. The experience we gained playing in those conditions will undoubtedly benefit us as we head into this tournament. “Many of the players selected for the World Cup squad were on that trip and experienced first-hand the pitches that we will likely encounter and that will stand them in good stead once we get to India.” Conrad also added, “We do have one more T20I series against the West Indies before we depart for the World Cup, and that squad will be announced later this month.” Star fast bowler Kagiso Rabada returns to the T20I side after missing the recent tour of India due to a rib injury. Anrich Nortje is also back in the squad after finishing as South Africa’s leading wicket-taker in the 2024 T20 World Cup. South Africa are placed in Group D along with Afghanistan, Canada, New Zealand, and the UAE. They will start their campaign on February 9 against Canada in Ahmedabad. Former all-rounder Albie Morkel will join the team as a specialist consultant.South Africa squad: Aiden Markram (captain), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Marco Jansen, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada and Jason Smith.

Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and R Ashwin (PTI Photo)

Former England spinner Monty Panesar has said that the BCCI should have done more to honour some of India’s biggest cricket stars. He believes that Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin deserved proper farewell Test matches before retiring from international cricket.Panesar feels that India missed an important chance to celebrate the careers of these players. He compared India’s approach with England, where retired players are often given special farewell games. According to him, such matches show respect for players who have given many years to the sport.

Speaking to IANS, Panesar said, “The BCCI should have planned farewell Test matches for R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli. They deserved that respect. England celebrate its players when they retire — for example, Stuart Broad and James Anderson were given great farewells — but India fall short in this regard.”Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retired from Test cricket in May last year. Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket after the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in December 2024.Kohli is considered one of the greatest batters of the modern era. He ended his 14-year Test career with 9,230 runs in 123 matches at an average of 46.85. He scored 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries. Kohli also had a successful run as India’s Test captain, finishing as the fourth-most successful skipper in Test history.Rohit Sharma played 67 Test matches and scored 4,301 runs at an average of 40.57. He hit 12 centuries and 18 fifties. As an opener, his average was even better at 42.81. Under his leadership, India reached the final of the 2023 World Test Championship, where they finished runners-up.Ravichandran Ashwin ended his Test career with 537 wickets in 106 matches at an average of 24. He is India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Tests after Anil Kumble. Ashwin also contributed with the bat, scoring six centuries and 14 half-centuries. His final international match was the day-night Test in Adelaide.In white-ball cricket, Ashwin took 228 wickets across ODIs and T20Is. Overall, he finished with 765 international wickets and was part of India’s 2011 World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy-winning teams.

John James (right) with Australia captain Pat Cummins during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney (Instagram | John James)

New Delhi: By the time John James speaks about belief, it is clear he doesn’t treat it as a buzzword.For him, belief is not motivational wallpaper or a pre-match cliché. It is something lived, driven between coaching sessions, nurtured in long car rides with his father, and sustained by people who never told him his dreams were too big.

Cricket, after all, did not begin as the centre of his universe. Football did.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Growing up in Australia, James spent a decade chasing a football, not a cricket ball. From the age of six until 16, football was his first sporting love. Cricket arrived later, almost quietly, when he was around nine. Yet those formative football years shaped an athlete in him.

Australia U-19 all-rounder John James (Special Arrangement)

“I think a lot of my athleticism comes from football,” James says. “Being able to field well, bowl long spells, it all correlates.”That word correlates keeps returning when he speaks. Nothing in his journey feels accidental. Everything connects.

Belief, before annything else

James’ foundation was built at home. Not with strict rules or forced ambition, but with freedom and trust.

“My parents believed in me,” he says simply. “They let me believe I could do whatever I wanted.”There were no ceilings placed on ambition, no reminders of realism when dreams grew loud. That quiet confidence became his first competitive advantage.

John James is part of Australia U-19 World Cup squad

His father was ever-present in the early years — driving him to training sessions, coaching appointments, and matches long before James had a licence. School days were often cut short so cricket could take priority. His mother, equally influential, carried a different role: emotional anchor.“If I was down after an innings, she was always there,” James says. “Cheering me up, reminding me that I could do whatever I wanted.”Both parents are registered nurses, balancing demanding professions while shaping a sporting dream. Sacrifice, James understands now, wasn’t spoken about, it was lived.

I can be a batting all-rounder if I need to be. Or a bowling all-rounder. I’m not too picky.

John James

His younger brother, Thomas, 13, plays a subtler role. Equal parts support system and distraction.“He’s annoying,” James laughs. “But he means well.”More importantly, Thomas offers escape. FIFA games, flights of imagination, and a reminder that cricket does not have to consume everythin“Cricket can engulf your life,” James admits. “Having people around you who help take your mind off it”

It takes a village

James speaks about coaches with a frequency that reveals how deeply they’ve shaped him. Technique matters, of course, but what separates good players from elite ones is thought.

John James considers himself a proper all-rounder

Right now, his journey is guided by Josh Miller. “Working with him isn’t just technical,” James explains. “It’s mental. Understanding the game, reading situations better than others.”The emphasis on mental clarity is deliberate. Cricket, at higher levels, becomes a game of decisions before execution.Another towering influence has been Anthony Clark, James’ former state coach.“Probably the best coach in the country,” he says without hesitation.

I’m aggressive naturally. But when I overdo it, that’s when I get out

John James

Clark’s strength, according to James, lies in how he sees cricket. Not just playing it — but understanding it. Watching, analysing, anticipating.“He teaches players how to look at the game,” James says. “That cricket smarts influenced all of us.”Together, those influences have helped shape James into a player who values awareness over flash.

A pure all-rounder

Labels, James believes, are unnecessary.

John James plays an exquisite drive (Special Arrangement)

Batting all-rounder. Bowling all-rounder. Middle-order stabiliser. Floating option.“I’m just an all-rounder,” he says. “My ability with bat and ball is pretty similar.”Adaptability defines him. Team requirements dictate his role, not ego.“I can be a batting all-rounder if I need to be. Or a bowling all-rounder,” he explains. “I’m not too picky.”

I was born in Kharagpur. My family, they’re all from Kerala. So we have quite a bit of family there, but quite a bit of family everywhere. I think I was a couple months old, when we moved to Australia.

John James

There is something refreshingly old-school about that approach in modern cricket, where roles are increasingly specialised.James’ batting philosophy is rooted in simplicity.“Singles first,” he says.Regardless of format — T20s, one-day cricket, or the longer game — his base remains unchanged. Build, assess, then expand.“I trust my defence,” he explains. “Once the time is right, I can turn defence into attack.”

John James at the Sydney Cricket Ground during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (Instagram | John James)

Aggression, he knows, must be earned. “I’m aggressive naturally,” James says. “But when I overdo it, that’s when I get out.”Keeping it simple, staying balanced — that’s when acceleration comes naturally to James.

Roots across continents

James’ story stretches beyond Australia.Born in Kharagpur in West Bengal, he was only a few months old when his family returned to Australia. Yet India has remained an annual constant.“We try to go every year,” he says.His family roots trace back to Kerala, on both sides. Family spread across states, cultures, and time zones, yet deeply connected.

Probably the best three days of my life

James on being part of Australia senior team during BGT

“So I was born in Kharagpur. My family, they’re all from Kerala. So we have quite a bit of family there, but quite a bit of family everywhere. I think I was a couple months old, when we moved to Australia,” he says.

James BGT moment

One of James’ most vivid cricketing memories came not with bat or ball in hand, but with drinks.He was selected to run drinks in Sydney Test during last year this time in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

John James shares a light moment with Mitchell Starc during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney (John James | Instagram)

“Probably the best three days of my life,” he says.Up close, he watched his idols move, think, communicate. Observing the subtleties, what they did differently, what they did the same.One moment stood out. After Mitchell Starc bowled a thunderous over above 145 kmph, James approached him with water and made a light-hearted comment about finally letting his arm go.Starc laughed. “I’m getting too old for it, mate.”

He makes people believe. I think that’s something I really look up to and something I want in my game, sort of.

John James on Pat Cummins

The aura he chases

Asked which cricketer makes him pause and think this is different, James doesn’t hesitate. “Pat Cummins.”It’s not just the skill, it’s the presence.“Whenever he has the ball, something happens,” James says. “He makes people believe. I think that’s something I really look up to and something I want in my game, sort of.”

Australia’s Pat Cummins celebrates with teammates (AP Photo/James Elsby)

That belief that intangible shift in team energy is what James aspires to carry.“If I’ve got the ball or bat in hand, I want the team to believe we can win,” he says. “Even in situations where it seems impossible.”It’s a lofty ambition. But then again, nobody ever told him dreams were too big.

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Staying grounded

Despite the milestones, James remains grounded. His game is still about basics. His life still about balance. Family, coaches, teammates, belief, it all threads together.“I think that’s what helped me be where I am today,” he says.Not a singular moment. Not one performance. But a web of support, patience, and perspective.And as Australian cricket looks toward its future, John James doesn’t shout for attention. He builds quietly. One single at a time.