Star India pacer Mohammed Shami, who has been sidelined since the conclusion of the 2023 ODI World Cup, dropped a major update on his injury status. The veteran fast bowler is working hard to recover in time for the England Test series but wants to be cautious. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka escaped an embarrassing defeat against Zimbabwe in the second ODI on the back of the tailenders' valiant effort with the bat.
Let's have a look at the top 10 trending sports news on January 9's sports roundup:
Shami eyes Team India comeback during England Tests
India's leading fast bowler, Mohammed Shami, is actively working towards being fit for selection in the upcoming five-Test series against England. With the first Test scheduled to begin on January 25 in Hyderabad, Shami is focused on ensuring his readiness for this crucial series.
"I am trying my best to be available for the selection for England The series. Test match is a longer format so you don't want to be in doubt," Shami told India Today.
Tailenders save Sri Lanka from major embarrassment
In a dramatic finish at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on January 8, Sri Lanka secured a narrow two-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the second ODI. This win was largely attributed to the unbroken 39-run partnership between tailenders Dushmantha Chameera and Jeffrey Vandersay for the ninth wicket. Despite a remarkable five-wicket haul by Zimbabwean pacer Richard Ngarava, Janith Liyanage's impressive innings of 95 runs played a pivotal role in anchoring the Sri Lankan batting lineup amidst frequent wicket losses.
Yash Dhull bears the brunt for Delhi's shock defeat against Puducherry
The Delhi Ranji team's struggles continued into the 2023-24 season with a significant nine-wicket defeat to Puducherry in their opening match. Following this loss, Yash Dhull has been relieved of his captaincy role. Himmat Singh, a seasoned batter, has been named as the new captain of the Delhi team. He is set to lead the team in their upcoming match against Jammu & Kashmir, scheduled to be held at the Hostel Ground JKCA in Jammu on January 12.
India women eye historic series win against mighty Australia
After a long and varied home season, the Indian women's cricket team has a final chance to win their first T20I series against Australia at home. The deciding match is on January 9. The series is currently tied at 1-1.
Faf du Plessis ready for one last hurrah!
Faf du Plessis, while greatly admiring MS Dhoni's leadership style, plans to adopt his unique approach as he captains the Johannesburg Super Kings in the forthcoming SA20 league. Additionally, du Plessis is focusing on this opportunity as a stepping stone towards potentially representing the Proteas in the T20 World Cup scheduled for June.
Afghanistan's schedule for Sri Lanka tour tweaked, ODI matches added
On Sunday, the Afghanistan Cricket Board revealed the schedule for Afghanistan's upcoming comprehensive tour of Sri Lanka in February. This tour includes a single Test match, three ODIs, and three T20Is.
ACB fires 'final warning' at 3 star cricketers
On January 8, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced revised penalties for players Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq, and Fazalhaq Farooqi. This decision follows their unsuccessful petition to be released from their central contracts. The ACB issued a "Final Warning" to these players, along with a "salary deduction," and confirmed that they would remain under central contracts.
Football fraternity in grief after legendary Franz Beckenbauer dies at age 78
Franz Beckenbauer, the legendary German footballer and coach who led his country to World Cup glory, has passed away at 78. Renowned for his leadership on and off the field, Beckenbauer captained Germany to their 1974 World Cup victory and later achieved triumph as the team's manager in the 1990 World Cup.
Heinrich Klaasen retires from Test cricket
Heinrich Klaasen announced his retirement from Test cricket on January 8. Klaasen, however, will continue to be available for South Africa in the limited-overs formats. His Test career, encompassing four matches from 2019 to 2023, concluded with his last appearance against the West Indies in the previous summer.
Bengaluru Bulls, Dabang Delhi register stunning victories in PKL
In a thrilling encounter in the Pro Kabaddi League at the DOME by NSCI in Mumbai, Bengaluru Bulls orchestrated a sensational last-minute victory against the three-time champions Patna Pirates, clinching a 35-33 win. In another gripping match, Dabang Delhi K.C. clinched a hard-fought 40-34 victory over the home team U Mumba, propelling them to second place in the standings.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
Arjuna awardee Mohammed Shami gives major update on return to field but unsure about selection for T20 World Cup 2024
Flamboyant India star batter to undergo operation for hernia, set to be away from cricket for multiple months - Report
