Shakib Al Hasan has been banned from bowling in all ICC-sanctioned domestic and international competitions due to an illegal bowling action, as confirmed by the Bangladesh Cricket Board. This decision follows an assessment by the ECB after Surrey’s loss to Somerset. Shakib will undergo further testing, and if cleared, he may resume bowling. He remains eligible to play as a batter.
Rohit Sharma’s recent struggles continued as he was dismissed cheaply by Pat Cummins during India’s third Test against Australia. The Indian captain, facing his fourth consecutive failure on Australian soil, lacked confidence and played a loose shot, resulting in his edge. Rohit’s recent form has been disappointing, with only one half-century in his last 13 innings. His batting slump has raised concerns about his leadership.
After the third Test against Australia ended in a draw on Day 5 at the Gabba in Brisbane, Ravichandran Ashwin surprised everyone by announcing his retirement from international cricket. The announcement came on Wednesday, December 18, leaving fans and the cricket community in shock.
Virat Kohli was involved in a heated exchange with a Channel Nine reporter at Melbourne Airport after cameras turned toward his family. The incident followed India’s drawn third Test in Brisbane, leaving the Border-Gavaskar series tied at 1-1. Kohli, under scrutiny for low scores (5, 7, 11, 3) in this series, defended his family’s privacy amidst public attention.
Australia’s Test squad for the remaining Border-Gavaskar Trophy matches has been updated, with 19-year-old Sam Konstas and Jhye Richardson replacing Nathan McSweeney and the injured Josh Hazlewood. Konstas impressed with a century in the PM’s XI warm-up, while Richardson returns after injuries, boasting 11 wickets in 3 Tests. The squad includes key players like Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc.