Australian cricket luminary David Warner singles out former South African speedster Dale Steyn as the most formidable bowler he has encountered throughout his illustrious career. As Warner bids adieu for his ODI career and prepares to retire from Test cricket following his farewell game against Pakistan starting Wednesday, he reminisces about the demanding clashes with Steyn during the 2016-17 home series.

In a candid revelation, Warner recounts the challenging 45-minute session at the WACA, where Steyn’s express pace troubled both him and Shaun Marsh. Quoted by cricket.com.au, Warner humorously recalls, ”

Shaun came down to me and said, ‘I can’t pull him, so I don’t know how we’re going to go about facing him.’ He put me on my backside, and I think he broke his shoulder as well that game.”

As part of his reflections on his career, Warner shares insights into Steyn’s fierce competitiveness and ability to swing the ball back into the left-hander, drawing parallels with Mitchell Starc’s skill against right-handers. Despite Warner’s acknowledgment of Steyn’s fiery demeanor on the field, the veteran Australian batter emphasised the absence of a smile or leeway from the renowned South African bowler.

In other cricket developments, Australia opted to stick with an unchanged lineup, foregoing a second spinner in the final Test against Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Skipper Pat Cummins confirms the recovery of Australia’s fast-bowling trio after their victory in the second Test in Melbourne, securing the three-match series with a tense 79-run win.

On the Pakistani side, two strategic changes were made, with Test debutant Saim Ayub opening the innings in place of Imam-Ul-Haq and off-spinner Sajid Khan taking the place of Shaheen Shah Afridi in the final Test.

In a historic moment at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia’s opener David Warner etched his name on the cricketing annals by becoming the country’s second-highest run-scorer across all three formats. That milestone was achieved with Warner’s resilient 38-run performance in the first innings of the second Test against Pakistan.

David Warner’s international cricket journey has now accumulated to an impressive 18,515 runs in 460 innings, showcasing a remarkable average of 42.56. Needing just 20 runs to surpass the iconic Steve Waugh’s tally of 18,496 runs, Warner embraced the challenge as he took to the middle to open the innings.

Despite an early scare with a dropped catch by Abdullah Shafique at two runs, Warner persevered and reached the coveted milestone in the 16th over, marked by a boundary off Hasan Ali. Unfortunately, his innings was cut short as he fell victim to Agha Salman’s bowling.

But Warner’s journey is far from over as he eyes the summit currently occupied by Ricky Ponting, who leads the chart with a staggering 27,368 runs in 667 innings. As Warner continues his pursuit, the cricketing world eagerly anticipates the unfolding chapters of his illustrious career.

Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja has reportedly been denied permission to display a peace symbol on his bat and shoes during the upcoming Boxing Day Test against Pakistan. The symbol, featuring a black dove and the inscription “01:UDHR,” a nod to Article One of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, was visible in his gear during a training session in Melbourne.

Khawaja, a prominent batsman, engaged in multiple discussions with Cricket Australia in recent days, attempting to find a message deemed appropriate for the second Test this week. However, the International Cricket Council (ICC) rejected his latest humanitarian gesture, according to reports from The Australian and Melbourne Age newspapers.

This is not the first time Khawaja has faced challenges regarding messages in his gear. In the initial Test in Perth, he was prohibited from wearing shoes with hand-written slogans supporting human rights and expressing solidarity with the people of Gaza. The slogans, reading “Freedom is a human right” and “All lives are equal,” were deemed in violation of ICC rules on messages related to politics, religion, or race.

While the ICC has not officially commented on the recent denial, Khawaja’s previous experience suggests strict adherence to regulations on messages displayed by players.

The cricketer, who is of Muslim faith, expressed his dismay over the Israel-Hamas conflict, particularly highlighting the impact on innocent children. Despite facing restrictions on his messages, Khawaja remains committed to using his platform to bring attention to causes he feels strongly about.

“I don’t have any agendas other than trying to shine a light on what I feel really passionately, really strongly about,”

Khawaja stated on Friday, underscoring his dedication to humanitarian concerns beyond the cricket field.

The reigning champions of ICC World Test Cricket, Australia, are opting for stability in their squad after a commanding 360-run victory over Pakistan in Perth. The squad, which initially comprised 14 players, has been trimmed to 13 for the upcoming Boxing Day Test, with uncapped pacer Lance Morris making way for a return to domestic T20 duties in Australia.

Australia seems inclined to maintain the winning combination that delivered success in Perth, with the experienced trio of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and captain Pat Cummins likely to retain their roles in sharing the new-ball duties. Local fast bowler Scott Boland stands as the lone remaining seam option in the 13-player squad.

All-rounder Cameron Green retains his spot in the squad and while Cummins acknowledges his presence, he believes it will be challenging to make any changes to the lineup that displayed dominance in Perth.

“I don’t think injuries are going to be an issue, so I dare say there will be a pretty similar line-up at this stage,”

Cummins stated regarding the anticipated XI for the Boxing Day Test. He further added:

“I think all the bowlers are pretty fresh after (the win in Perth). It’s basically the ideal start to the summer.”

Star batter Marnus Labuschagne, who faced a finger injury in the opening Test against Pakistan, has been cleared of any serious damage and is expected to maintain his place in the lineup for the Melbourne Test.

Currently occupying fifth position in the World Test Championship standings with a win-loss percentage of 41.67, Australia is gearing up to face Pakistan, who share the top position with India at a 66.67 percentage.

Australia Squad:

– Pat Cummins (c)

– Scott Boland

– Alex Carey

– Cameron Green

– Josh Hazlewood

– Travis Head

– Usman Khawaja

– Marnus Labuschagne

– Nathan Lyon

– Mitch Marsh

– Steve Smith

– Mitch Starc

– David Warner

Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon reached a historic milestone on Sunday, claiming his 500th Test wicket by dismissing Pakistan’s Faheem Ashraf in the first Test in Perth. Lyon, a 36-year-old veteran known for his longevity, joined an exclusive ‘legendary club’ comprising just seven other cricketers. His achievement came in his 123rd match, and he became only the third Australian cricketer to accomplish the feat, following the iconic Shane Warne (708) and Glenn McGrath (563).

Utilizing the Decision Review System (DRS), Lyon secured his 500th wicket, leading to dramatic scenes in the stadium as the third umpire overturned the on-field umpire’s decision.

The career Test wicket leaderboard stands as follows:

– 800 – Muttiah Muralitharan

– 708 – Shane Warne

– 690 – James Anderson*

– 619 – Anil Kumble

– 604 – Stuart Broad

– 563 – Glenn McGrath

– 519 – Courtney Walsh

– 501 – Nathan Lyon*

Before the Perth Test, Lyon acknowledged the significance of the milestone and credited India’s Ravichandran Ashwin for playing a role in his career. Lyon, just four wickets away from the 500-mark, expressed his respect for Ashwin and admitted to learning from him throughout their encounters worldwide.

Reflecting on their nearing shared achievement, Lyon expressed admiration for Ashwin and hinted at a post-career meeting over a beer to discuss their cricketing journeys.

“It’s pretty amazing to see we’re both creeping up to that 500 mark, and we’ll see where we end up. Hopefully, at the end of our career, we’ll sit down and have a nice feed and a beer and talk about it,” Lyon shared.

As the three-match series against Pakistan unfolds, all eyes are on David Warner, marking what is anticipated to be the Australian opener’s farewell to Test cricket. At 37, Warner has signaled his intention to step away from the five-day format after the third Test at his cherished Sydney Cricket Ground early next year. Despite being a stalwart of the Australian team for over a decade, Warner’s Test form is now under intense scrutiny, having managed just one century since early 2020.

Former teammate Mitchell Johnson has questioned the narrative of Warner receiving a “hero’s send-off,” particularly considering his recent struggles in Test cricket. In a candid newspaper column, Johnson raised the question,

“Can somebody please tell me why?”

He also revisited Warner’s central role in the infamous “Sandpaper-gate” ball-tampering scandal in 2018.

While chief selector George Bailey affirmed that Warner has rightfully earned his place in the squad for the opening Test in Perth, there are no assurances beyond that, placing Warner under the spotlight to deliver if he seeks an emotional farewell in Sydney.

Coach Andrew McDonald acknowledged the ongoing speculation, stating,

“Davey’s playing the first Test match and we’ll go from there.”

As Pat Cummins’ side take on the role of strong favourites against Pakistan, commencing their defence of the World Test Championship, Warner’s contributions become pivotal.

Having triumphed in the World Test Championship, retained the Ashes, and clinched the one-day World Cup last month, Australia aims to extend its triumphant run with Warner as the leading scorer.

In contrast, Pakistan faces an uphill battle, having won only four Tests in Australia since 1956-7 and none since 1995. McDonald observed Pakistan’s transition to coaching staff and management, anticipating a more up-tempo brand of play to exert pressure on the bowling.

As Lyon inches closer to joining the elite 500-wicket club, Pakistan’s challenge extends beyond mere competition; they aim to secure victory, as emphasized by team director Mohammad Hafeez. Despite tumultuous World Cup and off-field chaos, the squad, now under Shan Masood’s leadership after Babar Azam’s resignation, is brimming with new faces, including uncapped talents like Khurram Shahzad, Saim Ayub, and Aamer Jamal.

As the series unfolds, cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the drama on the field, wondering if Warner can make a resounding statement in what might be his Test farewell and how Pakistan’s new faces will fare against Australia’s formidable lineup.

Pakistan squad: Shan Masood (capt), Aamer Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Agha Salman, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Australia squad: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (capt), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland, Cameron Green, Lance Morris.

The unveiling of Australia’s Test squad for the upcoming series against Pakistan has stirred controversy, primarily centered around the inclusion of David Warner. Former Australian cricket star Mitchell Johnson expressed disapproval of Warner’s participation, condemning the left-handed opener and reigniting discussions about the infamous ball-tampering scandal. Johnson, critical of Warner, asserted that the southpaw doesn’t merit a “hero’s sendoff,” particularly considering the Pakistan series potentially marking his farewell.

Adding fuel to the fire, Johnson directed his criticism towards Australia’s chief selector, George Bailey, accusing him of choosing Warner despite the latter’s lackluster Test performance. Reflecting on Bailey’s previous stance during Tim Paine’s departure over the sexting controversy, Johnson raised questions about Bailey’s proximity to players, suggesting it might impact selection decisions.

In response to Johnson’s comments, Bailey expressed concern for the former cricketer’s well-being and defended his approach as a selector. Bailey emphasized the importance of being aware of players’ situations and team plans, challenging the notion that distance and unawareness could be more beneficial.

Despite Warner’s impressive Test record—participating in 109 matches, amassing 8487 runs at an average of 44.33, with 25 centuries and 36 half-centuries—his recent Test average since 2020 has declined to 31.79. Bailey, however, maintains Warner’s status as one of Australia’s premier Test players.

Bailey defended Warner’s selection for the first Test against Pakistan, emphasizing the critical nature of each game in the World Test Championship. He acknowledged the team’s focus on choosing the best eleven players and highlighted Warner’s role in achieving success.

Admitting the ongoing search for Warner’s successor, Bailey acknowledged the challenge of replacing a player of Warner’s caliber. He underscored the unique ability Warner possesses to put the opposition under pressure, expressing the need to carefully consider the right fit post-Warner.

In drawing parallels to the challenges faced after Shane Warne’s retirement, Bailey cautioned against attempting to replicate a player’s role too quickly. Recognizing Warner’s extended and dominant role as an opener, Bailey emphasized the importance of ensuring the right fit for the team post-Warner.

As Australia gears up for the Test series against Pakistan, a significant chapter is set to close as David Warner, one of the nation’s cricketing legends, takes the field in the whites for the last time. Warner, despite his recent struggles in the longest format, has secured a spot in the Test squad for the upcoming series—an decision that hasn’t escaped the critical eye of former Australian cricket star Mitchell Johnson. In a candid column for The West Australian, Johnson expressed his dissatisfaction with Warner’s inclusion, questioning the rationale behind allowing the struggling opener to dictate his own retirement timeline.

In his column, Johnson didn’t mince words:

“As we prepare for David Warner’s farewell series, can somebody please tell me why? Why does a Test opener battling poor form get to choose his own exit date? And why does a player embroiled in one of the most significant scandals in Australian cricket history deserve a hero’s farewell?”

The ‘sandpaper gate’ scandal, which implicated not only Warner but also Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft, resulted in penalties from Cricket Australia. Despite the collective punishment, Smith and Warner were additionally barred from leadership roles post-suspension. Johnson, however, expressed his dissatisfaction with Warner’s prominent role in the scandal, particularly considering his seniority within the team.

“While Warner wasn’t the sole figure in the Sandpapergate saga, he held a senior position in the team at the time, often wielding his perceived power as a ‘leader,'” Johnson remarked.

The former Aussie quick didn’t hold back on his criticism of Warner’s exit, attributing it to what he perceived as continued arrogance and disrespect towards the country. Johnson even quipped about the potential reception Warner might receive from fans, humorously suggesting,

“What will fans bring for Warner? Bunnings would sell out of sandpaper.”

Beyond his critique of Warner, Johnson took a swipe at Australia coach Andrew McDonald, insinuating that Warner’s selection didn’t align with the stated criteria of picking the squad based on current performances.

“Australia coach Andrew McDonald recently stated that this summer’s Test squad would be selected based on current performances. It would be interesting to see how long this strategy has been in place, as it doesn’t appear to have been applied to Warner for quite a while,” Johnson pointedly remarked.

In conclusion, Johnson emphasized that an international cricket career extends beyond statistical achievements, highlighting the enduring legacy of how a player conducted themselves and approached the game—a sentiment he believes Warner’s exit fails to reflect.

Australian batting all-rounder Glenn Maxwell’s wife, Vini Raman, expressed her joy in a sweet post following Maxwell’s spectacular hundred in the third T20I against India at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on November 28. With a picture of Maxwell on social media, she captioned it with a simple yet heartfelt “home time.”

In a dazzling display of batting prowess, Maxwell smashed an unbeaten 104 off 48 balls, comprising eight fours and as many sixes, guiding Australia to chase down a challenging target of 223 with five wickets in hand. The 35-year-old rightfully earned the Player of the Match award for his exceptional performance.

Prior to the game, it was confirmed that Maxwell, along with Marcus Stoinis, Josh Inglis, and Sean Abbott, would be returning home after the third T20I. Steve Smith and Adam Zampa had already departed before the match, as reported by cricket.com.au.

Eagerly anticipating Maxwell’s return, Vini shared an Instagram story featuring a red heart and an airplane emoji, capturing the excitement of welcoming her husband back home.

Before the T20I series in India, Maxwell played a pivotal role in Australia’s victory in the 2023 ODI World Cup. His notable achievements include a brilliant double hundred against Afghanistan and breaking the record for the fastest ODI World Cup hundred against the Netherlands, reaching three figures in just 40 balls.

Reflecting on his remarkable century in the third T20I, which also marked his 100th match for Australia in the format, Maxwell acknowledged the challenges posed by the dew. Despite the difficulty for bowlers, he commended his team for staying competitive until the final over.

“The dew obviously makes it difficult to hold on to, we knew it was going to be hard work to bowl yorkers, and there probably wasn’t a number in our head at the back-end to set ourselves to. We thought if we can stay in the hunt until the last over, we can give ourselves a chance, you never know it might come off the middle and you might stay in the game,” Maxwell said after his match-winning knock.

“We did really well to stay in the game until the final over. Knowing that Axar [Patel] had one over left meant (Matthew Wade) Wadey had to be out there to cash in and I was trying to take on all the pace bowlers and get the run rate under a little bit under control,” the 35-year-old added.

In a bold move by Cricket Australia, star players Steve Smith and Adam Zampa have been sent home from India ahead of the pivotal 3rd T20I in Guwahati. With three matches remaining in the series, the decision to recall these key players reflects a strategic shake-up in the squad. Additionally, four more players, namely Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Josh Inglis, and Sean Abbott, are set to depart on Wednesday as part of a comprehensive workload management plan.

The team’s restructuring includes the introduction of replacements for the series. Wicketkeeper-batsman Josh Philippe and power-hitter Ben McDermott are set to join the squad before the 3rd T20I in Guwahati. Moreover, Ben Dwarshuis and spinner Chris Green from New South Wales are scheduled to link up with the team in Raipur ahead of the fourth match.

The revised Australia squad for the 3rd T20I includes players such as Matthew Wade (c), Jason Behrendorff, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Chris Green, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Ben McDermott, Josh Philippe, Tanveer Sangha, Matt Short, and Kane Richardson.

Reflecting on the changes, Australia’s stand-in head coach Andre Borovec shared:

“One of the things we had in our planning coming into this series was to have a look at Steve (Smith) up top, and we’ve had a chance to do that now. We’re extremely happy with the intent that he’s shown with the bat; (I) couldn’t fault it actually.”

Looking ahead, Australia is gearing up for a series of 10 T20 internationals leading up to next year’s T20 World Cup in the USA and the Caribbean.

Australia T20 squad: Matthew Wade (c), Aaron Hardie, Jason Behrendorff, Sean Abbott (withdrawn), Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Chris Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (withdrawn), Glenn Maxwell (withdrawn), Ben McDermott, Josh Philippe, Tanveer Sangha, Matt Short, Steve Smith (withdrawn), Marcus Stoinis (withdrawn), Kane Richardson, and Adam Zampa (withdrawn).

India T20 squad: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Ruturaj Gaikwad (vc), Ishan Kishan, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Shivam Dubey, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar, and Shreyas Iyer (last two matches only).