Sana Ganguly, daughter of former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly, was involved in a car accident on Friday night when her vehicle was struck by a bus in the Behala Chowrasta area, as reported by the Bengali daily Anandabazar Patrika. Sana, however, emerged unscathed from the incident, the report says. She was seated in the front seat of her car when the collision occurred. The impact caused significant damage to her car, including the breaking of the side mirror. Despite the reckless driving of the bus, which posed a significant risk of the car overturning, the driver’s alertness prevented a major mishap. Following the incident, the bus driver was detained by authorities. While the crash itself was alarming, Sana did not sustain any injuries. Recently, Ganguly named Rishabh Pant as the next-best red-ball batsman after stalwart Virat Kohli and felt the left-hander could have a huge impact in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Pant's aggression which comes with risks has allowed him to thrive against Australia as well. His fearlessness in 2021, on the final day of the fourth Test, led in Brisbane to the famous 'Toota Hai Gabba Ka Ghamand'. "His special ability. He still needs to evolve and figure out his game in white-ball cricket. But in red ball, he is just fantastic. Look at the innings he has played in England, Australia, and South Africa, and you will know, he is a generational talent in red-ball cricket. He is India's next-best red-ball batter after Kohli and could have a huge impact in the series," Ganguly said while speaking to Revsportz. Wicketkeeper-batter Pant on Saturday showed his knack for scoring runs by slamming the second-fastest Test fifty by an Indian. Pant, renowned for his aggressive and fearless style of play, reached the half-century mark in a mere 29 balls, shattering previous records. His blazing knock included six boundaries and three sixes, underlining his ability to dominate from the word go. His swift half-century placed him just a ball shy of breaking his record, having previously achieved the fastest fifty by an Indian in Test cricket—a 28-ball effort against Sri Lanka in 2022.
04 January,2025 12:26 PM IST | Sydney | mid-day online correspondentRishabh Pant achieved a remarkable feat during the ongoing fifth Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday, as he scored the second-fastest Test fifty by an Indian cricketer. Pant, renowned for his aggressive and fearless style of play, reached the half-century mark in a mere 29 balls, shattering previous records. His blazing knock included six boundaries and three sixes, underlining his ability to dominate from the word go. Pant’s swift half-century placed him just a ball shy of breaking his record, having previously achieved the fastest fifty by an Indian in Test cricket—a 28-ball effort against Sri Lanka in 2022. The wicketkeeper-batter's lightning-quick fifty came after he had made a strong start, having already hit a six off Scott Boland's very first delivery. Pant’s aggressive intent was clear from the outset, and though he was on the verge of setting the record for the fastest Test fifty by an Indian when he was at 47 off just 23 balls, it took him an additional six deliveries to complete the remaining three runs. Nevertheless, his knock was an exhilarating display of power hitting, cementing his place among the fastest Indian batters in Test history. Aate hi RISHABH-PANTI shuru! 🔥When @RishabhPant17 steps in, the entertainment level goes 𝗨𝗽&𝗨𝗽 📈#AUSvINDOnStar 👉 5th Test, Day 2 | LIVE NOW! | #ToughestRivalry #BorderGavaskarTrophy pic.twitter.com/tiJiuBOEDO — Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) January 4, 2025 This half-century wasn’t just the second fastest for India, it was also the fastest fifty ever scored by a visiting batter in Australia. Pant’s blistering innings bettered the previous record, which was held by England’s John Brown (1895) and Roy Fredericks of the West Indies (1975), both of whom had reached their fifties in 33 balls. Pant’s achievement thus set a new benchmark for visiting batters in Australia, with his 29-ball fifty setting the bar incredibly high. The wicketkeeper-batter began his innings in audacious fashion, smashing a six off the very first ball he faced from Scott Boland. He didn’t look back from there, continuing to play with relentless attacking intent. Pant’s latest feat also positions him as the holder of the top two fastest Test fifties by an Indian. His previous record, a blistering 28-ball half-century against Sri Lanka in 2022, still stands as the quickest Test fifty by an Indian. Fastest Test fifties by Indians Rishabh Pant – 28 balls vs Sri Lanka, 2022 Rishabh Pant – 29 balls vs Australia, 2025 Kapil Dev – 30 balls vs Pakistan, 1982 Shardul Thakur – 31 balls vs England, 2021 Yashasvi Jaiswal – 31 balls vs Bangladesh, 2024
04 January,2025 12:12 PM IST | Sydney | mid-day online correspondentRishabh Pant made an emphatic statement upon his arrival at the crease in the second innings of the ongoing fifth Test between India and Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Coming in at No. 5, the 27-year-old left-handed wicketkeeper-batter wasted no time, smashing the very first ball he faced from Scott Boland for a towering six down the ground. This stunning stroke not only announced his presence but also became an instant sensation on social media, with the video of Pant’s first-ball six quickly going viral. It marked the seventh instance of an Indian batsman hitting a six off the first ball of their innings in Test cricket, and it was only the second time this feat had been achieved in an away Test. Aate hi RISHABH-PANTI shuru! 🔥When @RishabhPant17 steps in, the entertainment level goes 𝗨𝗽&𝗨𝗽 📈#AUSvINDOnStar 👉 5th Test, Day 2 | LIVE NOW! | #ToughestRivalry #BorderGavaskarTrophy pic.twitter.com/tiJiuBOEDO — Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) January 4, 2025 Known for his ability to turn games on their head, Pant's intent was clear from the outset. His confidence, despite a somewhat underwhelming series with the bat, suggested that he was determined to end the tour on a high. Having scored just 40 runs from 98 balls in India's first innings, Pant had yet to deliver the kind of impact that has made him one of the most exciting players in modern-day Test cricket. However, with this new innings, he had a chance to make amends and help India post a formidable total, one that could challenge Australia in the fourth innings of the match. Pant's arrival at the crease came at a pivotal moment. Virat Kohli, India’s stalwart, had just been dismissed for a paltry six runs by Boland, on the first ball of the 14th over. Kohli, who has had a torrid time in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, had once again fallen to an off-stump delivery. For the eighth time in the series, Kohli had gone fishing outside the off-stump and played an uncharacteristic shot, offering up his wicket. This dismissal summed up Kohli’s frustrations during this series, as he has struggled to convert starts into substantial scores. Despite being one of the best Test players in the world, Kohli has managed to score only 190 runs across five matches in the ongoing edition of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
04 January,2025 12:03 PM IST | Sydney | mid-day online correspondentRohit Sharma opted out of the fifth and final Test against Australia, due to his recent struggles with the bat. His decision to step aside amid his poor form raised a mix of reactions among cricket experts. With Jasprit Bumrah taking on the responsibility of captaincy, India faced a challenging start in the Sydney Test. Rohit, however, was seen on the first day of the match wearing a serious expression, while Australia dominated the proceedings. India were bowled out for a mere 185 runs after electing to bat first, giving Australia a significant advantage. Rohit decided to remain in the dressing room throughout the first day, wearing the team’s practice jersey, staying out of the playing XI. However, on the second day, he made a return to the field unexpectedly. Rohit Sharma talking with Bumrah & Pant during the drinks break. [📸: CricSubhayan] pic.twitter.com/CCY9TbXUmf — Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 4, 2025 Rohit joined the substitute players in the dugout and played a supportive role from the sidelines. During the first session of Day 2, he came out onto the field carrying drinks and had a brief chat with his deputy Bumrah. The sight of Rohit stepping up in such a manner did not go unnoticed. Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina praised Rohit for his selflessness, despite his seniority in the team. Raina took to social media, writing, “Rohit Sharma exemplifies leadership through honesty and selflessness. Despite personal challenges, he prioritizes team success, stepping aside when necessary. His leadership in the current Test series reflects his unwavering dedication to India’s success. A true legend of the game," he wrote on X. Rohit Sharma exemplifies leadership through honesty and selflessness. Despite personal challenges, he prioritizes team success, stepping aside when necessary. His leadership in the current Test series reflects his unwavering dedication to India’s success. A true legend of the… pic.twitter.com/L3rPlMlRT6 — Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) January 4, 2025 On the second day, India made a remarkable comeback with the ball, reducing Australia to 39/4. However, Steve Smith and Beu Webster steadied the ship for the hosts with a 57-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Rohit’s brief interaction with Bumrah, though not as a player, was significant. Following the drinks break, Rohit returned to the dressing room along with the other substitutes. Though not officially part of the playing squad, Rohit remained available for fielding as a substitute if the need arose. Rohit’s absence from the squad paved the way for Shubman Gill’s inclusion in the playing XI. Gill, who had missed the Melbourne Test, had a challenging start in Sydney, scoring just 20 runs in the first innings. Rohit, who has been out of form for several months, has only managed 31 runs in five innings in the series.
04 January,2025 10:43 AM IST | Sydney | mid-day online correspondentIndia dismissed Australia for 181 to take a slender four-run first innings lead as the two teams opted for an early tea on the second day of the fifth Test on Saturday. India dominated the post-lunch session, taking the remaining five wickets, with Mohammed Siraj (3/51), Prasidh Krishna (4/42), and Nitish Reddy (2/32) stepping up in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah (2/33), who left the field for scans due to an unspecified injury. For Australia, Beau Webster (57) scored a half-century on debut, but once he was dismissed, India swiftly dismantled the tail. Earlier, resuming at 9/1, Australia lost Marnus Labuschagne (2) early. Siraj then struck twice in four balls, removing Sam Konstas (23) and Travis Head (4), leaving the hosts at 4 for 39. Steve Smith (33) and Webster (28) added a quick 57 for the fifth wicket, but Prasidh sent Smith back just before lunch. Brief Score: India 1st innings: 185 all out Australia 1st innings: 181 all out in 51 overs (Beau Webster 57, Steve Smith 33; Prasidh Krishna 3/42, Mohammed Siraj 3/51, Nitish Reddy 2/32). (With agency inputs)
04 January,2025 09:47 AM IST | Sydney | mid-day online correspondentJasprit Bumrah appeared to be carrying an injury on day two of the fifth and final Test against Australia, raising concerns among fans and pundits alike. The Indian fast bowler, who has been a key figure for India throughout the series, was seen leaving the field on multiple occasions on Saturday. He bowled only one over after lunch before heading back to the dressing room for treatment, leading to speculation about his fitness. Where's Jasprit Bumrah off to 🤔#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/P0yD1Q8pnV — 7Cricket (@7Cricket) January 4, 2025 While there has been no official confirmation regarding the nature of his injury, a former Australian cricketer revealed that Bumrah wasn’t looking entirely fit before India took the field on the second day of the Test. According to reports, the medical team has taken Bumrah for scans to assess the extent of the injury. Bumrah’s workload during this five-match Test series has been substantial, as he has been called upon frequently to lead India’s pace attack. With several other bowlers struggling to find their rhythm and take wickets, captain Rohit Sharma, who himself was dealing with form issues, turned to Bumrah to spearhead the attack. The responsibility on Bumrah was further amplified when Rohit opted out of the Test, leaving the pacer to lead the Indian team for the second time in this Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He had previously captained India in the series opener, where he led the team to a dominant 295-run victory. Having scalped 32 wickets in the series so far, Bumrah would surpass Harbhajan Singh’s record for the most wickets in a bilateral Test series between India and Australia with just one more wicket to go. However, his recent injury concerns highlight the toll the series has taken on him. Bumrah had previously suffered a career-threatening back injury, which led to a long hiatus from international cricket. He underwent surgery and then embarked on a lengthy rehabilitation process before being declared fit by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Given his history with injuries, any signs of physical strain are particularly worrying for both Bumrah and the Indian team, especially with the crucial series on the line.
04 January,2025 09:17 AM IST | Sydney | mid-day online correspondentEmbattled India captain Rohit Sharma on Saturday finally addressed his omission from the Sydney Test, asserting that it was his own decision to step down from the team. Rohit’s form had been under scrutiny since he joined the squad for the second match of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. With India trailing 1-2 heading into the fifth Test, his batting had come under intense criticism. Across five innings, he has managed only 31 runs, averaging a mere 6.20. Amid these concerns, Rohit pulled out of the Sydney Test, leading to widespread reports suggesting he had been dropped. Instead, Jasprit Bumrah was appointed as the captain for the decisive fifth and final Test. Question - reports were there you were rested, dropped or opted out?Rohit Sharma - none, I stood down. I just stepped away from this game because runs are not coming. I told the selectors and coach that runs are not coming from my bat, so I decided to step away.And at last :… pic.twitter.com/zBCeAFo9N8 — Kuldeep Rawat (@KuldeepRawatBJP) January 4, 2025 However, during the lunch break on Day 2, Rohit clarified his position in an interview with Star Sports, explaining that he wasn’t dropped or opting out, but had voluntarily stepped aside to allow an in-form player to take his place. “I wasn't dropped or opted out. I stood down. I’ll say one thing and it will have 50 interpretations, but I had a conversation with the coach and the selector. It was a very simple chat. I’m not making runs right now; I’m not in form, and it's a crucial game. We need an in-form player. Our batting order isn’t in good shape at the moment. Out-of-form players can’t carry the team right now. That was the simple thought process for me. I believed it was important to tell the coach and the selector, and they supported my decision,” said Rohit. Shubman Gill replaced Rohit in the playing XI for the match. Rohit ended the conversation with his signature wit when the presenter mentioned how it was an honour to have him as the captain. With a smile, he replied, “I’m not going anywhere (laughs).” More updates to follow...
04 January,2025 08:11 AM IST | Sydney | mid-day online correspondentMohammed Siraj was menacing during his first spell, grabbing two wickets with perfectly pitched outswingers before Prasidh Krishna sent back in-form Steve Smith as India reduced Australia to 101 for 5 at lunch on the second day of the fifth Test here on Saturday. Smith (33) was involved in a nice little 57-run stand for the fifth wicket with Beau Webster after Siraj had rocked the top-order with two wickets in four balls to reduce the hosts to 39 for 4. Prasidh (1/21 in 6 overs) was proving to be a weak link, bowling multiple release deliveries in his first spell as he couldn’t find the correct length but Bumrah changed his ends and it proved to be a masterstroke. He bowled the perfect length to square up Smith and KL Rahul took the leading edge in the second slip. Smith’s dismissal made it an excellent session for India, while Webster (28 batting) and Ale Carey (4 batting) are at crease when the lunch was taken. The day started with Sam Konstas (23 off 38 balls) giving charge to opposition skipper Bumrah (2/27 in 9 overs) with his reverse lap but Marnus Labuschagne (2) dismissed quickly. Bumrah got one to rear up from a good length and there was just enough away movement to kiss the right-hand batter’s outside edge before resting in Rishabh Pant’s gloves. Bangladeshi umpire Sharfuddoul Ibne Saikat had ruled it not out but TV replays showed a clear spike. Konstas has the unconventional edge to his game, but his defence isn’t the most compact one. Finally, Siraj (2/28 in 10 overs) got his perfectly pitched outswingers landing on that five metre length and Konstas’ drive resulted in an edge towards gully where Yashasvi Jaiswal pouched it without much ado. Travis Head (4) started with a beautiful on-drive but then got one that jagged in (inswinger for left-hander) and as the bat face closed, the leading edge travelled at a good height for Rahul in the slips. At 39 for 4, India could have gone for the kill but Prasidh, known for his profligacy, was far from accurate allowing the hosts to claw their way back. But Prasidh luckily found his mojo just when it mattered the most. (With agency inputs)
04 January,2025 07:50 AM IST | Sydney | mid-day online correspondentShreyas Iyer’s 137 powered Mumbai to a massive 163-run win over Puducherry in their Group C game of the Vijay Hazare Trophy on Friday. Mumbai were in a spot of bother at 82 for five batting first when Iyer played a match-winning knock off 133 balls with 16 fours and four sixes. In reply, Puducherry were shot out for a mere 127 in 27.2 overs with Suryansh Shedge (2-27), Ayush Mhatre (2-7) and Shardul Thakur (3-47) causing the damage with the ball. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
04 January,2025 07:43 AM IST | Vizianagaram | AgenciesRyan Rickelton and Temba Bavuma hit centuries and batted South Africa into a strong position on the first day of the second Test against Pakistan at Newlands on Friday. South Africa were 316 for four at the close of play. Rickelton (176 not out) and South African captain Bavuma (106) put on 235 for the fourth wicket after the pair came together with the total on 72 for three. At that stage, South Africa were in danger of wasting the advantage of winning the toss on a good batting pitch. But Rickelton and Bavuma were seldom troubled. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
04 January,2025 07:43 AM IST | Cape Town | AFPIndia’s Rishabh Pant said he batted with restraint on the opening day against Australia because character of the SCG pitch and the game situation did not allow him to be his customary aggressive self. Pant, who copped severe criticism from all corners for his callous approach to batting during the previous Test at Melbourne, made a 98-ball 40 in India’s 185 all out here on Friday. “I think in this innings, I was not in a frame of mind where I wanted to take charge of the game because the wicket was doing too much and the kind of situation we were in,” Pant said. “I would say there might be a 50-50 chance which I could have taken early on in this innings, but sometimes you have to play more secure cricket especially the way, wicket was behaving,” he added. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
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