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<title>Cricket Australia</title>
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<description>Cricket Australia</description>
<lastBuildDate>Sat, 05 Apr 2025 06:58:53 GMT</lastBuildDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Cricket Australia 2025-26 Central Contracts: Full List and New Additions]]></title>
<link>https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/cricket-australia-2025-26-central-contracts-full-list-and-new-additions/</link>
<guid>https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/cricket-australia-2025-26-central-contracts-full-list-and-new-additions/</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 01 Apr 2025 06:14:51 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Cricket Australia announces its 2025-26 central contracts, featuring 23 players with new additions Sam Konstas, Matthew Kuhnemann, and Beau Webster. See the full list and key updates.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="https://media.cricketwinner.com/media/2025/04/77800082.webp" width="1280" height="720" alt="Cricket Australia announces its 2025-26 central contracts, featuring 23 players "/><p><span id="input-sentence~0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cricket_Australia">Cricket Australia</a> revealed the men's centrally contracted list for the season 2025-26. The list of 23 includes three new names: Beau Webster, Sam Konstas, and Matthew Kuhnemann.</span></p><p><span id="input-sentence~0">Sam Konstas made a debut test appearance against India during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which impressed cricket administrators, earning him a central contract.</span><span id="input-sentence~1"> Opening his Test account as a teenager of 19, he did amazingly well when pitted against world-class bowlers and gave instant returns in his first effort.</span></p><p><span id="input-sentence~1">Matthew Kuhnemann, the left-arm spinner, played a key part in Australia's series victory over Sri Lanka.</span><span id="input-sentence~2"> He picked 16 wickets in two matches and was also declared Player of the Series. His consistent play has seen him included in the team as Nathan Lyon's reserve.</span></p><p><span id="input-sentence~2">Beau Webster, who is an all-rounder, impressed everyone with his batting and bowling skills on his Test debut.</span><span id="input-sentence~3"> His dual ability as a medium-fast bowler and off-spinner brings balance to the Australian team. Chief selector George Bailey had all praise for Webster's efforts, emphasizing his flexibility and promise.</span></p><p><span id="input-sentence~3">The trio takes the place of Sean Abbott, Aaron Hardie, and Todd Murphy, who were excluded from contracts this year.</span><span id="input-sentence~4"> Cooper Connolly, Jake Fraser-McGurk, and Spencer Johnson, who have represented Australia in limited-overs cricket, also did not cut. T20 specialists Tim David and Marcus Stoinis are outside the contracted list but are likely to play in the shortest format.</span></p><p>ALSO SEE: <a href="https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/wicket-on-debut-ball-2-more-mumbai-indians-cricketers-did-the-same-before-ashwani-kumar/">Wicket on Debut Ball: 2 more Mumbai Indians cricketers did the same before Ashwani Kumar</a></p><h3><strong>Cricket Australia's centrally contracted players for 2025-26:</strong></h3><table data-pm-slice="3 3 []"><tbody><tr><th>Player</th><th>Role</th></tr><tr><td>Xavier Bartlett</td><td>Bowler</td></tr><tr><td>Scott Boland</td><td>Bowler</td></tr><tr><td>Alex Carey</td><td>Wicketkeeper</td></tr><tr><td>Pat Cummins</td><td>Bowler</td></tr><tr><td>Nathan Ellis</td><td>Bowler</td></tr><tr><td>Cameron Green</td><td>All-rounder</td></tr><tr><td>Josh Hazlewood</td><td>Bowler</td></tr><tr><td>Travis Head</td><td>Batter</td></tr><tr><td>Josh Inglis</td><td>Wicketkeeper</td></tr><tr><td>Usman Khawaja</td><td>Batter</td></tr><tr><td>Sam Konstas</td><td>Batter</td></tr><tr><td>Matthew Kuhnemann</td><td>Bowler</td></tr><tr><td>Marnus Labuschagne</td><td>Batter</td></tr><tr><td>Nathan Lyon</td><td>Bowler</td></tr><tr><td>Mitchell Marsh</td><td>All-rounder</td></tr><tr><td>Glenn Maxwell</td><td>All-rounder</td></tr><tr><td>Lance Morris</td><td>Bowler</td></tr><tr><td>Jhye Richardson</td><td>Bowler</td></tr><tr><td>Matt Short</td><td>All-rounder</td></tr><tr><td>Steve Smith</td><td>Batter</td></tr><tr><td>Mitchell Starc</td><td>Bowler</td></tr><tr><td>Beau Webster</td><td>All-rounder</td></tr><tr><td>Adam Zampa</td><td>Bowler</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span id="input-sentence~5">The list shows Cricket Australia's determination to have a solid team across all formats. With players like Mitchell Marsh and Cameron Green back from injury, Australia anticipates a lively international season.</span></p>]]></content:encoded>
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<title><![CDATA[Steve Smith Ends ODI Career, Commits to Test and T20I Formats]]></title>
<link>https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/steve-smith-ends-odi-career-commits-to-test-and-t20i-formats/</link>
<guid>https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/steve-smith-ends-odi-career-commits-to-test-and-t20i-formats/</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 05 Mar 2025 08:50:27 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Steve Smith retires from ODI cricket after the Champions Trophy 2025. The two-time World Cup winner will continue playing Tests and T20Is. Read about his legacy and future plans!]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="https://media.cricketwinner.com/media/2025/03/smithretires_d.webp" width="1280" height="720" alt="Steve Smith retires from ODI cricket after the Champions Trophy 2025. The two-time World Cup winner will continue playing Tests and T20Is. "/><p>Australian cricket veteran Steve Smith has made his One Day International (ODI) retirement official after Australia's semi-final loss to India in the <a href="https://www.cricketwinner.com/icc-champions-trophy-2025/">Champions Trophy 2025</a>. The 35-year-old veteran batter, who scored a gritty 73 as the top scorer for his side, told his teammates straight after the match that it was his last ODI outing.</p><p>But Smith has asserted that he will play Test and T20I cricket, with emphasis on future big red-ball series, such as the World Test Championship Final, West Indies tour, and Ashes series against England in Australia.</p><p><strong>An Emotional Farewell</strong></p><p>Looking back at his career, Smith has credited being part of an exemplary ODI career lasting almost 15 years. It has been a wonderful ride, and I have enjoyed every moment of it. There have been so many great times and great memories. Winning two World Cups was a wonderful highlight, as well as the many great teammates who were part of the journey," Smith stated.</p><p>He added that with the 2027 ODI World Cup looming, it was the appropriate time for Australia to begin planning for the future.</p><p>Now is an excellent time for individuals to begin preparing for the 2027 World Cup, so it is the perfect time to step aside."</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">🚨BREAKING🚨: Australian stalwart Steve Smith has announced his retirement from ODI cricket<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SteveSmith?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SteveSmith</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CricketAustralia?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CricketAustralia</a> <a href="https://t.co/eTYWGLGnFu">pic.twitter.com/eTYWGLGnFu</a></p>— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cricketracker/status/1897169410827411963?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2025</a></blockquote><p><strong>Steve Smith's Magnificent ODI Career</strong></p><p>Smith departs ODIs with a fantastic record:</p><p><strong>ALSO SEE: <a href="https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/david-warner-set-for-tollywood-debut-in-robinhood/">David Warner Set for Tollywood Debut in ‘Robinhood’</a></strong></p><ul><li>5800 runs in 170 games</li><li>12 centuries and 32 half-centuries</li><li>Two-time ICC Cricket World Cup champion (2015, 2023)</li><li>Captained Australia in 64 ODIs, winning 32</li></ul><p>Smith was instrumental in Australia's 2015 World Cup win under Michael Clarke and also a member of the team that won the trophy once again in 2023 under Pat Cummins.</p><p>His stint in leadership included many highlights such as series wins against England and India in 2016, a Chappell-Hadlee Trophy victory, and a tri-series victory over South Africa and West Indies. His most recent effort was guiding Australia to a 3-0 ODI clean sweep against West Indies in 2023-24.</p><p><strong>Tribute from Cricket Australia</strong></p><p>After his statement, Cricket Australia's Selectors Chairman, George Bailey, noted Smith's input into Australian cricket.</p><p>"We wholeheartedly agree and endorse Steve's retirement from One Day International cricket. His batting record over 167 matches is second to none, and to depart the format as a two-time World Cup champion is testament to his place among the great Australian ODI players."</p><p>Bailey also reaffirmed that Smith is entirely committed to Test cricket, where he remains an integral leader and precious asset.</p><p><strong>The Journey of a Leg-Spinner to a Great Batsman</strong></p><p>The career of Smith on the international scene started in 2010, when he played as a leg-spinning all-rounder against the West Indies. Over time, he developed into one of the great batters of his time with his unorthodox batting and capability to command in all weather.</p><p>Apart from his batting exploits, Smith also made contributions with the ball, picking up 28 wickets at a mean of 34.67. His performance in ODIs saw him receive several awards, including:</p><ul><li>Australian Men's ODI Player of the Year (2015, 2021)</li><li>ICC Men's ODI Team of the Year (2015)</li></ul><p><strong>What's Next for Smith?</strong><br>Even though his ODI career is over, Smith's attention now turns to red-ball cricket, where he is still an integral part of the Australian Test team. With the World Test Championship Final, the West Indies tour, and the Ashes series on the horizon, fans can still look forward to witnessing the Australian maestro at his best.</p><p>As Australia sets its sights on a new era of ODIs, Steve Smith's legacy as a two-time World Cup champion, a fearless captain, and one of the greatest batters of his era will always be remembered in cricketing history.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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<title><![CDATA[Australia get better news before Champions Trophy with revised schedule for Sri Lanka tour]]></title>
<link>https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/australia-get-better-news-before-champions-trophy-with-revised-schedule-for-sri-lanka-tour/</link>
<guid>https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/australia-get-better-news-before-champions-trophy-with-revised-schedule-for-sri-lanka-tour/</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 15 Jan 2025 15:40:29 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), in consultation with Cricket Australia (CA), has revised the complete schedule of the upcoming Australia tour of Sri Lanka, which is better for Australia.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="https://media.cricketwinner.com/media/2025/01/Australian ODI team.webp" width="1280" height="720" alt="Australia get better news with revised schedule for Sri Lanka tour"/><p dir="ltr">The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), in consultation with Cricket Australia (CA), has revised the complete schedule of the upcoming Australia tour of Sri Lanka, which is better for Australia.</p><p dir="ltr">Previously, it was decided that Sri Lanka would host a two-match Test series against Australia, which would be part of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023%E2%80%932025_ICC_World_Test_Championship" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship</a>. After that, they would play one ODI before Australia participate in the upcoming <a href="https://www.cricketwinner.com/icc-champions-trophy-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ICC Champions Trophy 2025</a> in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). </p><p dir="ltr"><strong>See Also: </strong><a href="https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/bed-rest-for-jasprit-bumrah-no-certainty-for-champions-trophy-selection/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bed rest for Jasprit Bumrah: No certainty for Champions Trophy selection</a></p><h3 dir="ltr">An ODI added to the revised schedule</h3><p dir="ltr">However, the SLC has added one more ODI to the revised schedule as Australia will now tour Sri Lanka for a two-match Test series and another two-match ODI series. The Test series will be part of the 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship, while Galle will host both Test matches. </p><p dir="ltr">Meanwhile, Colombo will host both the ODIs on February 12 and 14. It is a better schedule for the two-time ICC Champions Trophy winners Australia, as they will get better preparation for the upcoming ICC tournament. </p><p dir="ltr">On the other hand, Sri Lanka failed to qualify for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to finishing outside the top seven teams (excluding Pakistan due to direct qualification as the hosts) in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. </p><p dir="ltr"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Australia tour of Sri Lanka 2024-25</strong></span></p><p dir="ltr"><strong>(Test series)</strong></p><p dir="ltr">1st Test: January 29 – February 2 (Galle)</p><p dir="ltr">2nd Test: February 6 – 10 (Galle)</p><p dir="ltr"><strong>(ODI series)</strong></p><p dir="ltr">1st ODI: February 12 (Colombo)</p><p dir="ltr">2nd ODI: February 14 (Colombo)</p><h3 dir="ltr">ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Australia will play all group stage matches in Pakistan </h3><p dir="ltr">Australia are in Group B in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where they have the opponents England, South Africa, and Afghanistan. As they are in the opposite group of Team India (Group A), the Aussies will play all their group-stage matches in Pakistan. Except they face India in the semifinals or final of the tournament, which will be played in Dubai, Australia will play all their matches of the tournament in Pakistan. </p>]]></content:encoded>
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<title><![CDATA[Australian squad for the Sri Lanka Test series revealed: Steve Smith to lead the side]]></title>
<link>https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/australian-squad-for-the-sri-lanka-test-series-revealed-steve-smith-to-lead-the-side/</link>
<guid>https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/australian-squad-for-the-sri-lanka-test-series-revealed-steve-smith-to-lead-the-side/</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 09 Jan 2025 02:40:37 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Steve Smith returns as the captain of the Australian Test team as Cricket Australia (CA) announces squad for the upcoming Sri Lanka Test series starting on January 29. ]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="https://media.cricketwinner.com/media/2025/01/Team-Australia-1.webp" width="1200" height="675" alt="Cricket Australia announces squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka"/><p>Cricket Australia (CA) have finalized their Test squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka which will commence on January 29. Steve Smith will take over the captaincy responsibilities and will lead the side in the absence of Pat Cummins who has opted for a paternity leave. Besides, he is also addressing an ankle issue that came to light during the course of the five-match <a href="https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/bgt-s-finest-2024-2025-a-fight-to-remember/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Border Gavaskar Test series</a> against India. Travis Head has been named as Smith's deputy. </p><p>There is no mention of Australian speedster Josh Hazlewood and bowling all-rounder Mitch Marsh, both of whom were ruled out mid-way through the Border Gavaskar Test series. As the Sri Lankan pitches are predominantly expected to favor spin, Australia have revamped their spin arsenal for all the obvious reasons. Cooper Connolly, Matt Kuhnemann, Nathan Lyon, and Todd Murphy are the four frontline spinners who have been drafted into the squad. </p><p>Beau Webster and Sam Konstas were the two debutants for Australia in the recently concluded BGT series. They have been included in the squad along with the opener Nathan McSweeney who looked a little out of form in that series. Alex Carey will primarily take on the wicket-keeping responsibilities but will also have the services of Josh Inglis as a backup wicketkeeper option.</p><p><strong>See also:</strong> <a href="https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/young-swashbuckling-australian-opener-in-danger-of-missing-out-on-sri-lankan-tour/#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Young swashbuckling Australian opener in danger of missing out on Sri Lankan tour</a></p><h3>A look at the Australian Test Squad </h3><p>Steve Smith (c), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Travis Head (vc), Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Matt Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Nathan McSweeney, Todd Murphy, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster</p><p> </p>]]></content:encoded>
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<title><![CDATA[Test Cricket Shake-Up: Jay Shah, Cricket Australia, and ECB Discuss Two-Division Format]]></title>
<link>https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/test-cricket-shake-up-jay-shah-cricket-australia-and-ecb-discuss-two-division-format/</link>
<guid>https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/test-cricket-shake-up-jay-shah-cricket-australia-and-ecb-discuss-two-division-format/</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 06 Jan 2025 06:06:53 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Jay Shah, Cricket Australia, and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) are in discussions to overhaul Test cricket by creating two divisions, aiming to boost competition and increase the frequency of matches between the top nations. This proposal would restructure the format, allowing the Big Three (India, Australia, and England) to play each other more often.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="https://media.cricketwinner.com/media/2025/01/Richard-Gould-Jay-Shah (1).webp" width="1317" height="720" alt="Test Cricket Shake-Up: Jay Shah, Cricket Australia, and ECB Discuss Two-Division Format"/><p class="par" data-type="par" data-value="high">The leaders in a meeting are encouraged to contemplate groups like the <strong>ECB</strong>, <strong>BCC</strong>I, and <strong>Cricket Australia,</strong> are conversing about changing things in Test cricket. They're planning on splitting it into two leagues, with six teams in each. To make it more exciting, they desire to introduce a way for teams to climb up or fall down between these leagues.Why, it's to keep the games exciting and make sure that the top teams fight it out more frequently.</p><p class="par" data-type="par" data-value="high">They're also thinking <span class="word">about</span> setting <span class="word">aside</span> specific times <span class="word">for</span> Test <span class="word">matches</span> so <span class="phrase"><span class="word">fans</span> <span class="word">can</span></span> follow <span class="word">the</span> games without breaks and enjoy<strong> </strong><span class="phrase">it</span><strong class="phrase" data-type="gpt_2gram" data-value="it more" data-value2=""> </strong><span class="phrase"><span class="word">more</span></span><strong class="phrase" data-type="gpt_2gram" data-value="it more" data-value2=""><span class="word">.</span></strong> This entire plan <span class="word">is</span> about <span class="word">making</span> <span class="word">Test</span> <span class="word">cricket</span> <span class="word">more</span> <span class="word">exciting</span> <span class="word">and</span> overtly <span class="word">competitive.</span></p><p class="par" data-type="par" data-value="moderate"><strong>The International Cricket Council (ICC</strong>) set up a $15 million fund, at the same time, to keep Test cricket alive, so the best players don't leave it for those games that make a lot of money. The money is there to make sure Test players are excellently paid more for each game and to help cover the costs of tours. They're doing this to keep the traditional methods of playing cricket exciting and going strong.</p><p>Cricket's leaders are really working hard to bring new energy to Test Cricket, so it's enjoyable to see and makes money. They're trying their best to keep the antiquated style of the game spectacular for the fans and the players too.</p><p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong> <a href="https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/rishi-dhawan-has-officially-announced-his-retirement-from-indian-limited-overs-cricket/">Rishi Dhawan has officially announced his retirement from Indian limited-overs cricket</a></p><p><strong>ICC Men's Test Team Rankings</strong></p><p>As of January 2025, the ICC Men's Test Team Rankings are:</p><table style="height: 406px; width: 59.9028%;"><thead><tr style="height: 36px;"><th style="width: 12.2098%;">Rank</th><th style="width: 28.8566%;">Team</th><th style="width: 19.2011%;">Matches</th><th style="width: 14.6678%;">Points</th><th style="width: 15.4422%;">Rating</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr style="height: 36px;"><td style="width: 12.2098%;">1</td><td style="width: 28.8566%;"><strong>Australia</strong></td><td style="width: 19.2011%;">36</td><td style="width: 14.6678%;">4531</td><td style="width: 15.4422%;">126</td></tr><tr style="height: 36px;"><td style="width: 12.2098%;">2</td><td style="width: 28.8566%;"><strong>India</strong></td><td style="width: 19.2011%;">39</td><td style="width: 14.6678%;">4248</td><td style="width: 15.4422%;">109</td></tr><tr style="height: 36px;"><td style="width: 12.2098%;">3</td><td style="width: 28.8566%;"><strong>South Africa</strong></td><td style="width: 19.2011%;">24</td><td style="width: 14.6678%;">2524</td><td style="width: 15.4422%;">105</td></tr><tr style="height: 36px;"><td style="width: 12.2098%;">4</td><td style="width: 28.8566%;"><strong>England</strong></td><td style="width: 19.2011%;">46</td><td style="width: 14.6678%;">4815</td><td style="width: 15.4422%;">105</td></tr><tr style="height: 36px;"><td style="width: 12.2098%;">5</td><td style="width: 28.8566%;"><strong>New Zealand</strong></td><td style="width: 19.2011%;">33</td><td style="width: 14.6678%;">3216</td><td style="width: 15.4422%;">97</td></tr><tr style="height: 36px;"><td style="width: 12.2098%;">6</td><td style="width: 28.8566%;"><strong>Sri Lanka</strong></td><td style="width: 19.2011%;">25</td><td style="width: 14.6678%;">2271</td><td style="width: 15.4422%;">91</td></tr><tr style="height: 36px;"><td style="width: 12.2098%;">7</td><td style="width: 28.8566%;"><strong>Pakistan</strong></td><td style="width: 19.2011%;">24</td><td style="width: 14.6678%;">2060</td><td style="width: 15.4422%;">86</td></tr><tr style="height: 36px;"><td style="width: 12.2098%;">8</td><td style="width: 28.8566%;"><strong>West Indies</strong></td><td style="width: 19.2011%;">29</td><td style="width: 14.6678%;">2184</td><td style="width: 15.4422%;">75</td></tr><tr style="height: 36px;"><td style="width: 12.2098%;">9</td><td style="width: 28.8566%;"><strong>Bangladesh</strong></td><td style="width: 19.2011%;">29</td><td style="width: 14.6678%;">1884</td><td style="width: 15.4422%;">65</td></tr><tr style="height: 45px;"><td style="width: 12.2098%;">10</td><td style="width: 28.8566%;"><strong>Ireland</strong></td><td style="width: 19.2011%;">5</td><td style="width: 14.6678%;">131</td><td style="width: 15.4422%;">26</td></tr></tbody></table><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">🚨 INDIA, AUSTRALIA AND ENGLAND TO PLAY EACH OTHER OFTEN. 🚨<br><br>- Jay Shah, Cricket Australia and ECB are in talks to split Test cricket into two divisions so the big 3 nations can play each other more often. (The Age). <a href="https://t.co/6GrBOVJ1Vw">pic.twitter.com/6GrBOVJ1Vw</a></p>— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) <a href="https://twitter.com/mufaddal_vohra/status/1876134166888333719?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2025</a></blockquote><p><strong>Top 5 Test cricket series/events with the highest viewership worldwide</strong></p><table><thead><tr><th><strong>Rank</strong></th><th><strong>Series/Event</strong></th><th><strong>Country/Region</strong></th><th><strong>Viewership</strong></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1</td><td><strong>The Ashes (England vs Australia)</strong></td><td>Australia, England</td><td>17.8 million viewers in the 2022 series </td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td><strong>India vs Pakistan (ICC tournaments)</strong></td><td>India, Pakistan, Global</td><td>1.1 billion viewers in the 2015 World Cup quarterfinal </td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td><strong>India vs Australia (Border-Gavaskar Trophy)</strong></td><td>India, Australia</td><td>100 million+ for the 2020-21 series </td></tr><tr><td>4</td><td><strong>The Ashes (England vs Australia)</strong></td><td>Global</td><td>100+ million viewers for key Test matches </td></tr><tr><td>5</td><td><strong>India vs England (Bilateral series)</strong></td><td>India, England</td><td>80 million viewers for select matches </td></tr></tbody></table><p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jay_Shah">Jay Shah</a>, Cricket Australia, and the England and Wales Cricket Board are discussing revamping Test cricket with a new system that has two divisions. They want to change things so that the major teams India, Australia, and England get to face off more, while also attempting to help the other teams move up with a system that allows teams to get promoted or relegated.</p><p>By trying different and new options and making teams work hard to keep their place, they're hoping to make Test cricket much more interesting and clearly competitive from top to bottom. The important idea behind all of this is to get more people watching Test cricket bring in more sponsors by setting up big-name matches and, basically, make Test cricket better and more interesting than ever, especially since, today, the shorter T20 games are getting all the attention. They're trying to keep everyone involved and excited about what could be a major change for the better.</p><p> </p>]]></content:encoded>
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<title><![CDATA[Cricket Australia reveals best Test cricket team for the year 2024]]></title>
<link>https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/cricket-australia-reveals-best-test-cricket-team-for-the-year-2024/</link>
<guid>https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/cricket-australia-reveals-best-test-cricket-team-for-the-year-2024/</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 31 Dec 2024 07:37:36 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Two Indian players make it to the playing eleven of Australia's best Test team of the year. ]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="https://media.cricketwinner.com/media/2024/12/team-of-the-year-2024-test-cricket.webp" width="950" height="535" alt="Cricket Australia picks the best Test team of 2024"/><p>As the year 2024, draws to a close, Cricket Australia has handpicked 11 best players across six Test-playing nations from India, Australia, New Zealand, England, Sri Lanka, and South Africa. The team includes two players from India & New Zealand, three from England, one from South Africa and Sri Lanka, and two from Australia. </p><p>The two Indians who have made it to the playing eleven are none other than Jaiswal and Bumrah. The Indian ace pacer has been held in high regard by Cricket Australia and quite rightfully he has been named as the captain of the best Test-playing side for 2024. Bumrah has been breathing fire in the ongoing BGT Test series (2024-25) and is currently sitting at the top of the tree in terms of wickets. He has claimed 30 wickets and three five-wicket hauls in this series with still a match to go. </p><p>Jaiswal has been an absolute powerhouse for Team India with the bat. He has churned a colossal volume of runs for India at the top of the order. The 22-year-old was in prolific form during the England home series in February this year and emerged as the highest run-getter as well. Moreover, Jaiswal also set records for the most sixes (36) in a year worldwide and has bagged the record for scoring the most number of runs as an Indian opener in a calender year.</p><h3>Australia's best Test playing eleven of the year:</h3><p> </p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">What a year from this XI including Jasprit Bumrah who leads the side 🙌<br><br>Full story: <a href="https://t.co/zM0nfiRxz9">https://t.co/zM0nfiRxz9</a> <a href="https://t.co/cn8Zu7zlxw">pic.twitter.com/cn8Zu7zlxw</a></p>— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1873955084482338964?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2024</a></blockquote><p> </p><p>Despite losses against Pakistan, Duckett and Root were among the runs for England in that series. Duckett is predominately known for his aggressive style of play and smashed two swashbuckling centuries in Rajkot (153) and Multan (114) earlier this year. His counterpart Root, slammed six centuries in 2024 including an unbeaten 262 against Pakistan in Multan and twin centuries against Sri Lanka at home which came in a winning cause. </p><p>Rachin Ravindra also made a strong case for himself in the playing eleven and his courageous contributions to a historic series triumph in India, which included a decisive 134 in the opening Test did not go unnoticed. Furthermore, he achieved a remarkable double-century at home against South Africa.</p><p>Brook showcased his capacity to perform under pressure with series-defining centuries against New Zealand, culminating in an impressive 317 in Multan. Mendis of Sri Lanka, who began the season as a secondary option, equaled Bradman's record by amassing 1,000 runs in just 13 innings, with four centuries marking an outstanding year.</p><p>Australia's Carey excelled behind the stumps with 46 dismissals, and his unbeaten 98 in Christchurch was among the finest fourth-innings performances of the year. Henry's exceptional bowling figures of 5-15 against India underscored his significance to New Zealand's bowling attack.</p><h3>Cricket Australia's best playing eleven for 2024</h3><p>Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Rachin Ravindra, Harry Brook, Kamindu Mendis, Alex Carey, Matt Henry, Jasprit Bumrah (C), Josh Hazelwood, Keshav Maharaj.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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<title><![CDATA[Konstas set for a MCG debut, Head faces a potential injury scare]]></title>
<link>https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/konstas-set-for-a-mcg-debut-head-faces-a-potential-injury-scare/</link>
<guid>https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/konstas-set-for-a-mcg-debut-head-faces-a-potential-injury-scare/</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 24 Dec 2024 07:47:37 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Konstas will become the fourth youngest Test debutant for Australia while Head faces a minor injury scare but remains confident of his participation ahead of the Boxing Day Test.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="https://media.cricketwinner.com/media/2024/12/Sam-Konstas-Travis-Head-.webp" width="1280" height="720" alt="Konstas' MCG debut confirmed as uncertainty over Head looms"/><p>Cricket Australia has confirmed that the young Sam Konstas will make his head in the <a href="https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/australia-vs-india-boxing-day-test-rain-alert-according-to-latest-weather-forecast-at-mcg/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Boxing Day Test</a> starting in Melbourne on December 26. At 19 years and 45 days old, Konstas will become the fourth youngest Australian player to debut in Test cricket. Only Ian Craig, current Australian captain Pat Cummins, and Tom Garrett made their debuts at an age younger than his. The good news was conveyed to Konstas by Australia's selector on duty Tony Dodemaide on Tuesday morning but advised him to wait till Christmas Day for an official announcement of the rest of the XI after the closure of Cummins' pre-match press conference.</p><p><strong>See also:</strong> <a href="https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/tanush-kotian-added-to-india-s-squad-for-border-gavaskar-trophy/#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tanush Kotian added to India's squad for Border Gavaskar Trophy</a></p><h3>Australian head coach Andrew McDonald excited to see him in action</h3><p>Konstas' MCG debut was officially confirmed in a press conference attended by Australian head coach Andrew McDonald post-training on Tuesday. McDonald heaped countless praise on the youngster and believes that he has a wide range of shots in his armory to tackle the impending threat from a quality Indian pace attack. </p><p><em>"We said from the get go, when leading into the summer, that we wouldn't shy away, and age was no barrier. And what he's shown is an array of shots, the ability to put pressure back on to opponents and he gets his opportunity. We're really excited for him."</em></p><p>Furthermore, McDonald stated that age was never seen as a consideration and indicated that his selection was purely based on merit. The NSW-born Konstas offered promising glimpses of his true batting exploits when he slammed a defiant 107 off 97 in a two-day practice game against India in Canberra. </p><h3>Worrying signs for Head and Australia ahead of the MCG Test </h3><p>Things haven't been progressing all that well for the star Australian batter Travis Head since his minor quad strain while batting in Australia's second innings in Brisbane. Very recently, Head was seen in action on Tuesday when he took part in some running and fielding drills and also practiced his batting in the nets. </p><p>The Australian head coach confirms that there is some worry surrounding Head's fitness but remains confident of his recovery before the Boxing Day Test. </p><p><em>"Has he got some things to work through? Yeah, he has, so that's what you would have seen. There's no concern at the moment. Has he been officially ticked off? I'm not sure. I didn't see the sort of back-end of his training session there, but I'm pretty confident he'll play. I think he looked good with the bat in hand so obviously skills are in good order. It'll just be basically what risk is associated with that. He had a small strain on the quad. But no concerns from my end. He's been able to be running, so I think he'll be fully functional come the game time."</em></p><p>Later after the end of his grueling training session on Tuesday, Head engaged in a lengthy debate with McDonald and Australia's physio Nick Jones with the latter reportedly rubbishing concerns surrounding his quad strain injury. In addition, McDonald also confirmed <a href="https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/major-shake-up-in-the-australian-squad-ahead-of-the-boxing-day-test/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">two more changes</a> leading into the fourth Test with Konstas replacing Nathan McSweeney and Scott Boland replacing the injured Josh Hazlewood.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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<title><![CDATA[Daniel Vettori to attend IPL Auction amid First BGT Test]]></title>
<link>https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/daniel-vettori-to-attend-ipl-auction-amid-first-bgt-test/</link>
<guid>https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/daniel-vettori-to-attend-ipl-auction-amid-first-bgt-test/</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 18 Nov 2024 10:18:45 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Sunrisers Hyderabad coach will attend the IPL auction in Jeddah during the first Test, despite being Australia's bowling coach]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/icricket-winner.appspot.com/o/images%2Fdir%2Fe5fbd076?alt=media&token=7b712415-0278-4100-b7ba-96e29cfe16a8" width="1280" height="720" alt="Daniel Vettori will leave the team to attend IPL Auction"/><p>Australia's bowling coach Daniel Vettori will leave the team during the First Test against India in Perth to attend the <a href="https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-analysis/ipl-2025-all-ten-teams-probable-2025-ipl-mega-auction-strategy-and-top-three-player-targets/">IPL Auction</a> in Saudi Arabia as Sunrisers Hyderabad Coach.</p><p>The Test will start on 22 November at Optus Stadium in Perth meanwhile, IPL Auction is scheduled on November 24-25 in Jeddah which has caused conflict for the three IPL coaches - Vettori, Ricky Ponting, and Justin Langer, who are in Perth for coaching or commentary roles.</p><p>Daniel Vettori is one of the few cricket coaches who holds multiple key roles simultaneously. He holds a permanent assistant role with the International team. He is also the full-time head coach of the IPL team Sunrisers Hyderabad and the head coach of the Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred.</p><p>Vettori has been working as Australia's bowling coach for all three formats since 2022 working under Head Coach Andrew McDonald. Cricket Australia values Daniel Vettori highly and allows him to take on franchise coaching roles alongside his commitments with the men's national team.</p><h3><strong>Cricket Australia supports Daniel Vettori holding multiple coaching roles at a time</strong></h3><p>Australia team spokesperson said, "We are very supportive of Dan's role as Head Coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad. Dan will complete the final preparation for the first Test before attending the IPL auction. He will then be with the team for the remainder of the <a href="https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/virat-kohli-on-the-verge-of-achieveing-new-records-in-bgt/">Border Gavaskar Trophy</a>."</p><p>Prioritizing the IPL auction over a Test match, along with scheduling it in Saudi Arabia during an Australia-India Test, reflects the changing priorities in modern cricket. Ricky Ponting and Justin Langer who work as commentators for Channel Seven, will also miss the First Test match to attend the IPL auction as head coaches of Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants, respectively.</p><p><strong>See Also:- <a href="https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/pakistans-woeful-run-in-t20i-cricket-continues-as-hardie-claims-321/">Pakistan’s woeful run in T20I cricket continues as Hardie claims 3-21</a></strong></p><p>Vettori has missed certain series in recent years due to his franchise commitments with temporary coaches brought in to assist the team. This will be the first time Vettori leaves midway through a Test to attend the IPL auction. Last year, he managed to fulfill his duties with Australia against Pakistan before flying to India for the auction between matches.</p><p>CA is also looking to hire a full-time national pace bowling coach who will be able to handle the team when Vettori misses some tours.</p><h3><strong>Daniel Vettori performed his coaching duties before heading to the IPL Auction</strong></h3><p>Vettori was on deck with Australia's squad on their first day of training at the WACA ground on Monday. He worked with the bowling unit and then bowled left-arm orthodox deliveries to the batters to make them prepare to face Ravindra Jadeja in the Perth Test.</p><p>On Monday, Australia had two consultants working with their main coaching team: former Australia batter Michael Hussey and former allrounder Jim Allenby, who has ties with Glamorgan, Leicestershire, and Somerset and is based in Perth. Both worked with the team ahead of last summer's first Test against Pakistan and will stay with the squad throughout the week leading up to the upcoming Test match.</p><p>Australia's fielding coach Andre Borovec is currently in charge of the T20I side that is playing the three-match series against Pakistan which will conclude on Monday night. Both he and Josh Inglis, the stand-in T20 captain, will fly from Hobart to Perth tomorrow to join the Test squad.</p><p>When Vettori leaves, Cricket Australia's national development coach, Lachlan Stevens, who previously coached Australia A against India A and works with the Under-19 team, will fly into Perth to provide additional support for the squad.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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<title><![CDATA[Dulip Samaraweera faces more heat as a further 10-year ban gets imposed by Cricket Australia]]></title>
<link>https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/dulip-samaraweera-faces-more-heat-as-a-further-10year-ban-gets-imposed-by-cricket-australia/</link>
<guid>https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/dulip-samaraweera-faces-more-heat-as-a-further-10year-ban-gets-imposed-by-cricket-australia/</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 15 Nov 2024 05:23:42 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Cricket Australia adds 10 more years to Samaraweera's ban thus suspending the former Sri Lankan Test player turned coach indefinitely for 30 years on grounds of misconduct. ]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/icricket-winner.appspot.com/o/images%2Fdir%2Fe08088ad?alt=media&token=ed76edc9-8b85-4761-b629-70f00eb10c0c" width="1920" height="1080" alt="Dulip Samaraweera banned for a further 10 years by Cricket Australia on ground of misconduct"/><p>The former Sri Lankan Test player turned coach <a href="https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricketers/dulip-samaraweera-50422">Dulip Samaraweera</a> finds himself embroiled in a soup as Cricket Australia has slapped yet another ban on him following his allegations of offensive behavior towards another player while coaching. Samaraweera, who was previously handed a 20-year ban from the governing body due to his inappropriate conduct towards a female player faces another allegation this time around.</p><p><strong>Unmasking the details of his second offense as a coach</strong></p><p>The second offense that was supposedly committed by him was as a private coach while he was employed by Cricket Victoria. Although Samaraweera dismissed all the claims but refrained from partaking in the investigation. Hence, as a result, a decision was made by Cricket Australia to ban the Sri Lankan coach for another 10 years for violating the game's code of conduct.</p><p>The 10-year ban will be cumulatively added to his already-persisting 20-year ban which will effectively exclude Samaraweera from the domestic coaching circuit till 2044 when he will be 72. Australian Associated Press (AAP) acknowledges that neither complainant has chosen to take the matter further and pursue criminal charges at this time.</p><p>However, Samaraweera's news on player misconduct drew a strong response from Cricket Victoria chief executive Nick Cummins who deemed his actions "utterly reprehensible" and "a betrayal of everything we stand for". His comments came once Cricket Australia concluded the findings of its initial investigation in September. Cummins stressed that the safety and the psychological well-being of every member at Cricket Victoria is of primary importance. to him.</p><p>He further admitted that his administration is committed to helping the affected player in every possible manner and will go to all lengths to help the victim materialize her dreams both on and off the field. </p><p><em>"From an organization perspective, the safety and well-being of everyone at Cricket Victoria is paramount. We will not tolerate any behavior which compromises that position, or our people, and will always support our culture of speaking up. The victim in this case has demonstrated incredible strength of character and courage in speaking up. She will continue to receive our ongoing support to allow her to achieve her goals on and off the field."</em></p><p><strong>A look into Samaraweera's professional cricketing career<br></strong></p><p>Samaraweera was born in the capital city of Colombo and represented <a href="https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/kusal-mendis-breaks-multiple-records-against-new-zealand-to-set-up-a-record-odi-total/">Sri Lanka</a> in seven Tests between 1993 and 1995 before transitioning into coaching. The seven-time Test representative, dedicated nearly 16 years to Cricket Victoria's women's program, serving as a longstanding assistant coach for the Melbourne Stars in the WBBL, prior to her resignation in May. The 42-year-old served as the assistant coach for the Starts from the inaugural WBBL season in 2015 and subsequently went on to serve as Victoria's interim head coach for most of last summer.</p><p>Samaraweera was poised to take up a full-time coaching role for Cricket Victoria but resigned in May as the current policies in place barred him from hiring his brother Thilan to the coaching staff.</p><p><strong>See also:</strong> <a href="https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/injury-blow-for-sri-lanka-as-dushan-hemantha-replace-wanindu-hasaranga-for-nz-odis/">Injury blow for Sri Lanka as Dushan Hemantha replace Wanindu Hasaranga for NZ ODIs</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
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<title><![CDATA[Pakistan create rare record in ODI cricket after beating Australia in Adelaide]]></title>
<link>https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/pakistan-create-rare-record-in-odi-cricket-after-beating-australia-in-adelaide/</link>
<guid>https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/pakistan-create-rare-record-in-odi-cricket-after-beating-australia-in-adelaide/</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 09 Nov 2024 07:18:21 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Pakistan leave India and Sri Lanka behind to become the only Asian team to register the most number of ODI wins against Australia in Australia. ]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/icricket-winner.appspot.com/o/images%2Fdir%2F1417284a?alt=media&token=c74585ff-fd90-4ee2-bf18-5b44c0a17442" width="1280" height="720" alt="Pakistan create unique feet after beating Australia in the second ODI"/><p>After narrowly missing out in the <a href="https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/australian-summer-kicks-off-with-starcs-fiery-spell-against-pakistan/">first ODI</a> in Melbourne, the Men in Green roared back in form in the second ODI to hammer Australia left, right, and center at the Adelaide Oval. <a href="https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-stats/haris-rauf-scripts-match-winning-odi-figures-against-australia-at-adelaide/#google_vignette">Haris Rauf</a> was the demolition man for Pakistan as his fiery spell of fast bowling decimated the 2023 ODI World Cup champions for a paltry 163. The speedster bagged his best bowling figures of 5-29 against Australia and accounted for the dismissals of Inglis, Labuschagne, Hardie, Maxwell, and Cummins.</p><p>After bamboozling Australia for such a below-par total, the chase was all too easy for the Rizwan-led Pakistan side as Ayub and Shafique smashed a century-plus opening stand for the first wicket to help Pakistan set the tone for a massive victory. In the end, Pakistan got to their required target of 164 with nine wickets and 23 overs to spare. This win was also their first win on Australian shores since 2017 and their first ever at the Adelaide Oval since 1996.</p><p><strong>See also:</strong> <a title="J" href="osh%20Inglis%20named%20as%20the%20temporary%20captain%20for%20the%20white-ball%20series%20against%20Pakistan">J</a><a title="osh Inglis named as the temporary captain for the white-ball series against Pakistan" href="https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/josh-inglis-named-as-the-temporary-captain-for-the-whiteball-series-against-pakistan/">osh Inglis named as the temporary captain for the white-ball series against Pakistan</a></p><p><strong>So what did Pakistan manage to achieve?</strong> </p><p>Following their emphatic nine-wicket win in Adelaide, Pakistan have stumbled upon a prod record. The Green Shirts have left behind the likes of India and Sri Lanka to become the only Asian team with the most number of wins in ODIs against Australia in their own backyard. They have now registered 18 wins in 54 matches against the Kangaroos in their own turf. This was also their 35th ODI against Australia in this format. </p><p>India and Sri Lanka on the other hand have only managed to secure 14 and 16 wins respectively whereas Afghanistan and Bangladesh are yet to feature in an ODI match against Australia down under. </p><p><strong>What does the win mean for the team?</strong></p><p>Following their emmphatic nine-wicket win, it goes without saying that the Pakistan team was extremly elated after delivering such a ground-breaking performance against a tough Australian team. Pakistan, under the new leadership of <a href="https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/rizwan-and-zampa's-hilarious-drs-exchange-goes-viral/">Mohammed Rizwan</a> found a way to play with an attacking approach which took the hosts by storm. </p><p>Rizwan lauded the bowlers for delivering such an impressive win and expressed that such a big win gives his side the confidence to do a lot better in the coming days. </p><p><em>"Obviously this win gives us confidence. We want to keep that confidence going. All bowlers had plans and they worked well."</em></p><p>With the series now level at 1-1, the stage is set for an intense showdown at Perth where the two sides will lock horns yet again in what appears to be an enthralling decider. </p>]]></content:encoded>
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