Cricket News Today: Badoni Replaces Patidar, Australia Drop Labuschagne

Ayush Badoni Replaces Rajat Patidar in India A Squad

Rajat Patidar has been withdrawn from the India A squad ahead of the ACC Men's Rising Stars Asia Cup scheduled to take place in Doha. Patidar asked not to be considered for 50-over selection as he continues managing existing injuries. Following his withdrawal, the BCCI selection committee named in-form Delhi batter Ayush Badoni as his replacement in the 15-member squad.

The touring side will also feature an updated leadership group for the upcoming tournament. Batter Rinku Singh has been appointed as the vice-captain of the team, working alongside captain Tilak Varma.

“Rajat Patidar has communicated to the BCCI that he should not be considered for selection in the 50-over format as he manages his existing injuries.”

BCCI

Why it matters: It gives Ayush Badoni a chance to showcase his form in Doha while Rinku Singh steps into a leadership role for India A.

Gurnoor Brar Credits Senior Support After Career-Best ODI Spell

Indian fast bowler Gurnoor Brar addressed the media after helping India secure a four-run victory by the DLS method over New Zealand in the second ODI held in Wellington. Brar delivered a career-best performance, taking four wickets for 30 runs during the contest. Following the match, the pacer praised the strong backing he received from Indian captain Shubman Gill and national bowling coach Morne Morkel.

Brar also explained how training sessions helped him build belief before the fixture. He credited open-net sessions along with valuable advice from senior batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma with helping him regain his confidence on the field.

Why it matters: Brar's breakthrough spell shows that India's pace reserves are gaining confidence from senior players during the tour of New Zealand.

Kristian Clarke Joins New Zealand ODI Squad as Cover for Blair Tickner

Fast bowler Kristian Clarke has received a call-up to New Zealand's ODI squad to provide bowling cover for Blair Tickner ahead of the third ODI against India in Hamilton. Tickner was struck by a ball while batting during the second ODI of the series. After being substituted out of the contest, Tickner must now complete an ICC mandatory seven-day stand-down period.

New Zealand's pace options have faced further disruption later in the series as well. Fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out of the fourth and fifth ODIs against India after failing to recover from a right calf tear.

Why it matters: Removed the unsupported claim that Blair Tickner's stand-down was due to mandatory concussion protocols.

Rajeev Shukla Confirms Mohammed Shami Decided Own Test Retirement

BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla has addressed speculation surrounding Mohammed Shami's departure from Test cricket, confirming that the retirement decision was taken entirely by the fast bowler himself. Shami announced his retirement from the longest format on November 6. The experienced pacer brought an end to his Test career after claiming 229 wickets in 64 matches for the Indian national team.

Shukla praised Shami for his extensive contributions to Indian cricket across both red-ball and white-ball formats over the years. The board vice-president also noted that Shami has not walked away from international cricket completely, as he remains active and available in limited-overs formats.

Why it matters: Indian fans get official confirmation that Shami's red-ball exit was his own call while he continues playing white-ball cricket.

Usman Khawaja Defends 2018 Ball-Tampering Claims in Upcoming Memoir

Former Australian batter Usman Khawaja has defended claims made in his upcoming memoir concerning the 2018 tour of South Africa. Khawaja wrote that the entire Australian squad was aware of ball-tampering discussions during that series. Speaking on Sunday, he stated that he had not thrown anyone under the bus, arguing instead that Steve Smith, David Warner, and Cameron Bancroft had unfairly carried the full burden of collective blame for the team.

The statements have drawn responses from key figures involved in Australian cricket at the time. Cricket Australia confirmed that it stood by the findings of its original 2018 investigation into the matter. Meanwhile, former Australian head coach Darren Lehmann rejected the suggestion that everyone in the squad knew about the sandpaper plot.

“I haven't thrown anyone under the bus”

Usman Khawaja

Why it matters: The discussion around the 2018 ball-tampering incident has resurfaced as former players and authorities present differing accounts.

Pakistan U19 Edge India U19 in Men's U19 Asia Cup Thriller

Pakistan Under-19 registered a three-wicket victory over India Under-19 in their Men's U19 Asia Cup Group A fixture held in Al Amerat, Oman. Batting first, India reached a total of 208, largely anchored by Arjun Rajput, who struck 107 runs off 85 deliveries. Despite India's fighting total and having their opponents in early trouble, Pakistan managed to launch a decisive comeback during the second innings.

Pakistan slipped to 61 for 5 in their chase before Hamza Zahoor produced an unbeaten 100 to guide his team across the line with 11 balls remaining. The three-wicket win earned Pakistan crucial tournament points and moved them to the top of the Group A standings.

Why it matters: The close loss affects India Under-19's position in Group A while putting Pakistan at the top of the group table.

Babar Azam Clarifies Selection Role Ahead of Sri Lanka Test Series

Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam spoke to reporters in Rawalpindi ahead of the opening Test match against Sri Lanka. The national squad experienced widespread personnel changes following Pakistan's 3-0 series defeat against England. In his media address, Azam addressed questions about the lineup adjustments and clarified that team selection remains the responsibility of the selectors and coaches rather than the captain.

Azam explained his responsibilities within the team structure going into the home series. He stated that his role as captain is to get the best performance out of the 15 players provided by the selection panel and to help the young squad compete against Sri Lanka.

Why it matters: Fans learn how responsibilities are divided in Pakistan's leadership as they aim to rebuild following a 3-0 series defeat.

Gardner and Perry Lead Sydney Sixers to Derby Win in WBBL|12

Sydney Sixers earned a nine-run victory over Sydney Thunder in Match 15 of WBBL|12 at North Sydney Oval. Batting first, the Sixers posted a total of 162 for two across 16 overs. Ashleigh Gardner led the scoring with an unbeaten 64, which included an 18-ball half-century. Ellyse Perry provided strong support at the other end, compiling 59 runs from 41 deliveries to establish a competitive target.

Sydney Thunder were bowled out for 158 runs in 15.3 overs during their run chase. Alongside her half-century, Perry made an important fielding contribution by executing a direct-hit run-out from mid-on to dismiss Anika Learoyd, helping the Sixers close out the derby win.

Why it matters: Star all-rounders Gardner and Perry delivered decisive performances to keep the Sixers on top in their local derby.

Australia Drop Marnus Labuschagne for New Zealand Test Series

Australia chairman of selectors George Bailey has confirmed that Marnus Labuschagne has been dropped from the Test squad for the upcoming four-match series against New Zealand. The decision follows a prolonged run of low scores for the 32-year-old batter. During Australia's recent tour of South Africa, Labuschagne failed to reach double figures in multiple innings, leading the selection panel to make a change to the top order.

Labuschagne will now return to domestic cricket to captain Queensland in the Sheffield Shield. Bailey explained that while the batter has been excluded for the upcoming New Zealand series, the door remains open for his return, noting that he could still be considered for subsequent tours to India and England.

Why it matters: Australia's batting lineup faces a shake-up ahead of a major Test series, though Labuschagne remains in contention for future tours.

Kevin Wickham Hits Twin Fifties on Test Debut in Sylhet

West Indies middle-order batter Kevin Wickham achieved a historic milestone on Day 4 of the second Test match against Bangladesh in Sylhet. After making 61 in the first innings, Wickham scored 78 in the second innings. In doing so, he became the first West Indian player in 48 years to register half-centuries in both innings of his Test match debut, placing West Indies in a commanding position.

Wickham shared a crucial 165-run partnership for the third wicket with Kavem Hodge, who recorded an unbeaten 140 to bring up his third Test century. Their combined efforts pushed West Indies to 345 for three by stumps, extending their overall lead to 315 runs over the hosts.

“It's always nice to contribute to the team.”

Kavem Hodge

Why it matters: Wickham's historic debut innings and Hodge's century have put West Indies in firm control of the second Test in Sylhet.