Shardul Thakur, the seasoned all-rounder from Mumbai, has become part of the Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025 after a crucial signing. While this move helps fill the team's bowling gap due to injuries, it contrasts with his initial plan to play county cricket for Essex, potentially affecting his Test match preparations for India's England tour.
Ricky Ponting considers Steve Smith the top batsman of his generation, spotlighting Smith's impressive 10,000 Test runs milestone, stellar overseas performance, and 35 Test centuries. Despite acknowledgment of Joe Root's form and biases for Kohli and Williamson, Ponting asserts Smith's unmatched statistics in the 'Fab Four'.
Australia clinched a dramatic 5-wicket win against England in the Champions Trophy opener, achieving a record chase. Ben Duckett's 165 anchored England's innings, but Josh Inglis' unbeaten 120 and Glenn Maxwell's explosive finish guided Australia to a historic victory. Missed chances and strategic bowling kept the match exciting, leaving Australia hopeful for the semis.
In the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, Australia outshone England despite both teams' recent setbacks in form. Jos Inglis led Australia with a dazzling century, helping chase a challenging target, while England's Ben Duckett's valiant efforts went unrewarded. The match highlighted Australia's mixed group stage results and England's early tournament exit.
Virat Kohli led India to a thrilling six-wicket victory over Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. His unbeaten century not only ensured a successful chase of 242 but also marked record-breaking achievements in ODI cricket. India's strategic bowling and Kohli's partnership with Shreyas Iyer were key to the triumph.