Veteran Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon said he was “absolutely filthy” after learning he had been left out of the second Test of the Ashes series against England in Brisbane on Thursday. Lyon also explained whether he had spoken with the Australian team management after the decision.Australia opted for an all-pace attack for the Brisbane Test, leaving out Lyon. The team made two changes from the eight-wicket win in the opening Test in Perth. Michael Neser came in for Lyon, and Josh Inglis replaced injured opener Usman Khawaja.Lyon said he got to know about his omission only after reaching the ground on the morning of the match.“I found out as I came to ground, as I always do, pretty early, about 12 o’clock, and found out about 12.30,” Nathan Lyon said to 7Cricket.George Bailey, the chair of Australia’s National Selection Panel, said the pace of recent Test matches had limited Lyon’s chance to influence games on seam-friendly surfaces.Reacting to that, Lyon said he has not had a detailed conversation with the team management yet and is taking time to process the decision.“No, yeah, absolutely filthy, but, yeah, can’t do anything about it. So, yeah, just hope I can play my role in making sure I can get the guys ready and do whatever I can to make sure that we get the right result here,” Lyon said.“To be honest, I haven’t really sat down with Ronnie [Andrew McDonald] or George yet. I’m letting things settle down in my own head, and trying to make sure that, as I said, doing whatever I can to make sure the guys out in the middle there, representing Australia, do the right thing and get the right result for us,” Lyon added.“The communication is always there, I just hadn’t had it in me to sit down with the coach and George at the moment,” Lyon furher said, adding, “So that will happen. I’m not the first player to miss a Test match and I won’t be the last. But, yeah, obviously pretty gutted because I know the role that I can play within Australian cricket and especially a venue like this.”In the first day of the match, Joe Root scored his first Test century in Australia and his 40th overall, taking England past 300 runs in their first innings.

Virat Kohli raised his bat and acknowledged the roaring crowd. (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: A Virat Kohli century turning into a losing cause has been among the rarest sights in modern cricket. But Raipur witnessed that rarity on Wednesday as India suffered a four-wicket defeat to South Africa despite Kohli’s 93-ball 102 — his second consecutive hundred in the series. The loss not only levelled the three-match ODI contest 1-1, it also revived an unwanted statistic that had remained dormant for nearly seven years.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!The last time India lost an ODI despite a Kohli century was on March 8, 2019, in Ranchi, when India fell short by 32 runs against Australia despite his 123 off 95 balls. In fact, before Raipur, India had not lost any ODI in 2,462 days in which their former captain reached three figures (11 tons). Kohli’s tons usually win matches, which makes this defeat stand out even more.

Overall, Kohli now has nine ODI centuries in losing causes. Batting first, India rode on a 195-run stand between Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad, the latter scoring his maiden ODI hundred (105), to post a formidable 358/5. Kohli’s knock featured seven boundaries and two sixes, marking his 53rd ODI century and 84th international ton overall, and also made him the first batter to hit seven or more ODI centuries against four different teams (Sri Lanka, West Indies, Australia and now South Africa).

Just like Australia’s chase of 359 in Mohali in 2019, South Africa matched the joint-highest successful chase against India. Aiden Markram’s 110 off 98 balls, supported by runs from Temba Bavuma, Matthew Breetzke and Dewald Brevis, ensured the visitors sealed the chase with four balls to spare. Corbin Bosch hit the winning boundary to finish unbeaten on 29.The defeat also marked the first time in eight years that India lost a match defending a total despite a Kohli century, the last instance being against New Zealand in 2017 at Wankhede.2025 has been one of his most prolific years in recent times, scoring 586 runs in 12 innings with three centuries and three fifties, and climbing to fourth in the ICC ODI rankings.

Prasidh Krishna on the left with Virat Kohli on the right (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: India pacer Prasidh Krishna faced heavy backlash on social media after India slipped to a four-wicket loss against South Africa in the second ODI in Raipur on Wednesday. The pacer endured a forgettable evening, returning figures of 8.2-0-85-2, finishing with an economy rate of more than 10 runs an over. His struggles with line and length during crucial phases of the chase opened the floodgates for South Africa, who hunted down a stiff target of 359 with surprising comfort.Fans online did not hold back, with many mocking the right-arm quick for his expensive outing. One user wrote, “If Pakistan has Haris Rauf, then India has Prasidh Krishna, both are Run-machines.” Another demanded a change in India’s pace attack, saying, “It’s high time the Indian team should drop Prasidh Krishna and bring back Siraj.” A third fan went even further, claiming, “I will choose 50 year old Mohammed Shami over any version of Prasidh Krishna in any formats.” Another quipped, “Prasidh krishna is man of the match. He said under temba i performed my career best performance.”India had earlier posted a commanding 358/5, courtesy of superb centuries from Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad. But despite the imposing total, Aiden Markram’s outstanding 110 off 98, supported by Matthew Breetzke’s fluent 68 and Dewald Brevis’ brisk 54, powered South Africa to one of their finest ODI chases.Markram controlled the innings beautifully, capitalising on a dropped chance on 53, while partnerships of 101 and 92 kept South Africa ahead throughout. The dew only worsened India’s troubles, with both seamers and spinners failing to grip or contain the ball effectively.Corbin Bosch’s calm, unbeaten 29 ensured South Africa crossed the line with four balls to spare.With the series now locked at 1-1, India head into the Visakhapatnam decider needing sharper execution with the ball. For Prasidh Krishna, the spotlight only grows brighter as calls for changes in the bowling attack continue to rise.

Virat Kohli (PTI Photo/Kunal Patil)

BENGALURU: The Vijay Hazare Trophy will mark Virat Kohli’s return to the white-ball domestic competition after a 15-year hiatus. It will also mark his return to Bengaluru after the tragic stampede outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s maiden Indian Premier League title triumph in June this year.

PTI on Tuesday quoted DDCA president Rohan Jaitley as saying, “He [Virat Kohli] has confirmed his availability to play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. How many games he will feature in, that is not clear yet.”The 37-year-old will turn out for Delhi, his domestic team, who are slated to play all seven of their Group D league games in Bengaluru. As per the original schedule, Delhi, who begin their campaign against Andhra on Dec 24 at the KSCA Alur Stadium, will play five matches at Alur and two at the Chinnaswamy — against Services on Jan 3, and Haryana on Jan 8. India’s wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is also likely to feature in these league fixtures, adding further star power.Confirming the fixtures, KSCA managing committee member in charge of cricket, MS Vinay, told TOI, “The matches are as per schedule at the two KSCA facilities. We have been hosting BCCI domestic matches since the start of the season without any hindrance. We will call for a managing committee meeting soon and discuss it.”But as the association continues to be denied permission to host matches with spectators, the question that looms is whether fans will be allowed into the Chinnaswamy.Vinay said the decision will rest with government authorities, adding, “Allowing spectators at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium is a decision that will be taken in consultation with the police department and other authorities. We can’t say just yet that the matches will be held behind closed doors.”Even the Alur facility, though located on the city’s outskirts, has seen its share of crowd chaos. In 2017, when MS Dhoni turned up for Jharkhand in the same competition, with no spectator galleries at the venue, fans found vantage points along the compound wall.Expecting similar frenzy this time — perhaps more, given Kohli’s presence — the KSCA has begun preparations early.“We will also approach the city police commissioner concerning security at both venues,” Vinay added.

Harbhajan Singh interacts with the media. (Image source: ILT20)

TimesofIndia.com in Dubai: Legendary India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has lauded the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) and ILT20 for giving opportunities to players from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia in the fourth edition of the tournament, and has also picked Abu Dhabi Knight Riders as favourites to lift the trophy.“Obviously, this is the fourth year of the tournament. Every year, this tournament brings new expectations. This year is even better because some of the players are from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait,” Harbhajan Singh told reporters at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, where Abu Dhabi Knight Riders were playing Sharjah Warriors.

“Cricket is spreading everywhere. The UAE Cricket Board has done a great job. Not only UAE players but also players from other neighbouring countries come here to play. They get a chance to play with big players. It’s a great opportunity for them.“Well done to ILT20 for giving opportunities to a larger audience who want to play where cricket is not that big in other countries. But as cricket spreads, I hope good players from other countries will also come here.”The former India cricketer also praised his former teammates who are playing in the ILT20. Dinesh Karthik, the biggest name on this roster, is playing for Sharjah Warriors as their keeper-batter. Former India Under-19 captain and current USA player Unmukt Chand is turning out for Abu Dhabi Knight Riders. Piyush Chawla is also playing for the Knight Riders.“It’s lovely to see some of the Indian players here this year — Dinesh Karthik, Piyush Chawla. Before that, Yusuf played and Robin Uthappa also played for a season. Players who have just retired are coming here to play,” he said.Harbhajan picked Abu Dhabi Knight Riders as his favourites, calling them the team to beat in this tournament.“After today’s match, I think Abu Dhabi Knight Riders have made a very solid team. They played very well. They scored 233 runs. In Sharjah we normally see 160-170 runs, but this is unbelievable. I feel Abu Dhabi Knight Riders are the team to beat in this tournament,” he said.“I am looking forward to this tournament as always. Dubai is a great place not just for people to come over but for cricketers also to play cricket, and for us to be part of ILT20. It’s my fourth year here. It’s lovely to be here again. All the teams are strong, but I feel Abu Dhabi Knight Riders are looking very strong.”

India vs South Africa (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

NEW DELHI: South Africa secured a four-wicket victory in the second ODI against India, despite outstanding centuries from Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad. The visitors successfully chased down a target of 359 runs.The South African chase was led by Aiden Markram’s brilliant 110, supported by Dewald Brevis’s explosive 54 off 34 balls and Matthew Breetzke’s solid 68. The series now stands level at 1-1.

The final ODI will take place in Visakhapatnam on Saturday, which will determine the series winner.India’s bowling struggled as heavy dew made conditions difficult for spinners. Prasidh Krishna’s expensive figures of 2/79 further complicated their defense of the total.The match remained competitive until the end. Prasidh Krishna dismissed Breetzke leg-before, and Arshdeep Singh removed Marco Jansen, but Corbin Bosch and Keshav Maharaj guided South Africa to victory with four balls remaining.Markram dominated the innings with his first century against India. He established a strong foundation despite losing Quinton de Kock early to Arshdeep Singh.A 101-run partnership developed between Markram and Bavuma for the second wicket. Markram maintained an aggressive approach while Bavuma rotated the strike effectively.Markram’s innings featured powerful hitting and skilful shot placement. He particularly excelled against the Indian spinners, taking advantage of the dewy conditions.Fortune favoured Markram when Yashasvi Jaiswal dropped a catch at long-on off Kuldeep Yadav‘s bowling when he was on 53. After Markram’s dismissal by Harshit Rana, Brevis and Breetzke formed a crucial partnership. They scored 92 runs in 64 balls, putting South Africa in a commanding position.Brevis fell after his quick half-century, while Breetzke continued his good form with a second consecutive fifty.This match marked only the second time India lost an ODI after scoring over 350 runs. The previous instance was against Australia in March 2019 at Mohali.In India’s innings, Kohli scored 102 off 93 balls, while Gaikwad made 105 off 83 balls. Their 195-run partnership for the third wicket set a new record against South Africa.KL Rahul’s unbeaten 66 off 43 balls helped India reach 358/5. India experimented with their batting order, sending Rahul at number five ahead of Washington Sundar.Gaikwad complemented Kohli perfectly during their partnership. Their batting partnership surpassed the previous record of 189 runs set by Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane in Durban in 2018.The partnership featured excellent running between wickets and consistent rotation of strike. Gaikwad matched Kohli’s stroke play and grew more confident after reaching his fifty.Kohli continued his remarkable form, beginning with a perfect pull shot for six and maintaining his excellence throughout his innings to achieve his 53rd ODI century.

Former cricketer Sachin Tendulkar (PTI Photo)

Sachin Tendulkar commemorated the birth anniversary of his late coach Ramakant Achrekar with a social media post on Wednesday. He shared a nostalgic photo on his X platform account.“Another day where I miss your presence… a little more so than usual. Happy heavenly birthday Achrekar Sir. Your legacy lives on through all the lives you touched and players you made. Thank you for everything,” the former Indian batter wrote. Achrekar, who mentored numerous Indian cricketers, received the Dronacharya Award in 1990 and was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2010. He passed away in January 2019. In Mumbai’s cricket circles, Achrekar was a distinguished figure who trained more than twelve international cricketers. Sachin Tendulkar, his most renowned student, began his international career at 16 and went on to set numerous batting records.Tendulkar maintains the record for the highest run total in international cricket. He scored 34,357 runs in 664 international matches with an average of 48.52, including 100 centuries and 164 half-centuries.In Test cricket, he accumulated 15,921 runs across 200 matches, averaging 53.78. His achievements include 51 centuries and 68 half-centuries, the most in Test cricket history.Tendulkar’s One Day International career spans 463 matches with 18,426 runs, the highest by any batsman in this format. He became the first male cricketer to score a double century in ODIs and achieved 49 centuries and 96 half-centuries.His career reached a pinnacle when India won the 2011 ICC ODI World Cup, defeating Sri Lanka by six wickets in Mumbai.

NEW DELHI: Virat Kohli continued his incredible run of form, bringing up his 53rd ODI century in the second match against South Africa in Raipur on Wednesday. The milestone came off 90 balls and marked his second straight hundred of the series, following his superb 135 in the opening ODI in Ranchi. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!His achievement quickly drew reactions on and off the field, with wife Anushka Sharma sharing a heart emoji on Instagram to celebrate the moment.

This century lifted Kohli’s tally to 84 international hundreds, inching him closer to Sachin Tendulkar’s all-time record of 100. It also saw him register an unprecedented 11th instance of scoring consecutive ODI centuries — the most by any cricketer, surpassing AB de Villiers’ six.

Kohli’s innings of 102 off 93 balls, featuring seven fours and two sixes, played a pivotal role in India posting a formidable 358/5. Supporting him brilliantly was Ruturaj Gaikwad, who scored his maiden ODI century, a superb 105 off 83 balls. Together, the pair stitched a record-breaking 195-run stand for the third wicket, the highest ODI partnership for India against South Africa.Their alliance came after India stumbled to 62/2, losing openers Yashasvi Jaiswal (22) and Rohit Sharma (14) early. The partnership surpassed Sachin Tendulkar and Dinesh Karthik’s 194-run stand in Gwalior in 2010. Gaikwad also registered the second-fastest ODI hundred by an Indian against South Africa, getting there in 77 balls — only behind Yusuf Pathan’s 68-ball ton in 2011.KL Rahul later added finishing touches with an unbeaten 66, ensuring India crossed the 350-run mark.For South Africa, Marco Jansen was the most effective bowler with 2/63, though their task became tougher when Nandre Burger left the field midway due to an ankle niggle.With this knock, Kohli now has seven or more ODI centuries against four different opponents — South Africa, Australia, Sri Lanka and West Indies — a feat previously achieved only by Sachin Tendulkar.

File pic: India coach Santiago Nieva

NEW DELHI: Boxing coach Santiago Nieva returns to Indian women’s boxing with what he calls “tremendous energy”, and a clear mission. In an interview with TOI, Nieva outlined his philosophy for the road to 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Excerpts…Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!You were with men’s boxing in your previous stint in India, why did you choose the women this time?I’m super excited, coming with tremendous energy. Hopefully, I can do good work and get the desired results. Indian women boxers are already doing pretty well, and they’ve great potential. Now it’s time to transfer the potential into Olympic medals. I had great results with the Australian women, winning medals at the Olympics, gold at world championships. I am confident I can do a good job with the Indian women too.

Indian boxers have done well this year. Are we on the right track?There were four medals at the world championships in Liverpool, but only one in the Olympic weights — Jaismine’s gold in the 57kg. We need to be very strong in the Olympic weights. That’s my priority. There is no question that the Indian team is considered as one of the strongest in the world. But we also know that China is very strong. Asia is very strong in general. So, we need to be better than our competition.Is there a roadmap, blueprint that you have prepared?We need to have systematic, organized training of high quality. I was in India for five years and I think I had great success with the work I did. When I came to Australia, it worked the same or even better maybe. So I’m confident that I can adapt to the Indian environment once more. Of course, there are changes here and there, things evolve. It cannot be the same in 2025 or 2026 like it was in 2017.Indian boxers are inconsistent in world championships and Olympics. Can there be competition periodization?We need to make sure that we have plenty of boxers who are really good at the highest level. So that if someone gets a bad draw, or someone loses due to wrong decision, someone doesn’t perform, we still have enough good boxers to win medals. That’s the way we had Lovlina’s medal in Tokyo, when Amit (Panghal) didn’t win a medal, Mary Kom didn’t win, Vikas didn’t win, boom, Lovlina was good enough to win a medal! So if we do a good job, we will have plenty of boxers who can qualify, and those who can are good enough to win medals.You were never a fan of trials…?My philosophy is that the coach should be able to pick his team. But the more teams started training with full-time programmes, training together, it lost purpose of going for a trial because the coaches see the boxers every day in training. And then you realize that international competitions play a big role because you want to see how they fare against other international boxers. We need to select the No. 1 boxer.What is your expectation this time around?My aim is that when we go into a world championships, we win three or four gold medals. And I want to do the same in the Olympics.