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New system has 15 provincial teams split in two divisions, and CSA will provide initial monetary help to the teams

Firdose Moonda08-Mar-2021South Africa’s revamped two-tiered domestic structure will kick off in the 2021-22 summer with teams divided in two divisions for the first two seasons, after which there will be promotion and relegation. The system brings the curtain down on the franchise set-up that has been in place since 2004-05 and will lead to 75 cricketers and a yet-to-be-determined number of administrative and coaching staff losing their jobs.The new structure is aimed both at cost-cutting, with CSA’s acting CEO Pholetsi Moseki acknowledging “in the long run we expect this to save CSA money”, and improving South Africa’s level of competitiveness in the international arena: “We believe a structure has been put in place that will give us cutting edge,” David Richardson, former ICC CEO who was used as a consultant by CSA in the restructuring process, said.Related

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While the franchises were intended to provide an Australian-style strength-versus-strength structure, the South African men’s national team finds itself in a difficult stage of rebuilding and CSA has opted for a system that closer resembles the English or Indian domestic set-up, and provides more consistent opportunities at the top level for a greater number of players. “The Proteas men’s team generates over 80% of CSA’s revenue and we have to have a strong team. For that, we need a strong domestic competition,” Andrew Breetzke, South African Cricketers’ Association CEO, said.Currently, the domestic set-up consists of six franchises and 13 semi-professional provincial teams, with 280 contracted players excluding centrally contracted players. Both the franchises and the provincial teams play first-class cricket – the franchise red-ball competition is over four days, and the provincial one is over three days, one-day and T20 cricket, and all of them depend on CSA for financial support.The new structure eliminates the franchises and reverts to a provincial set-up, as was the case pre-2004, in two divisions. Eight teams will make up the first tier, with 16 contracted players each, and seven teams the second tier, with 11 contracted players each, taking the total to 205. Additionally, 15 to 20 national contracts would be awarded. CSA will provide the initial monetary injection for the provincial set-up but the plan is for the 15 teams to gain a degree of independence through their own marketing and by seeking sponsorships. “We hope this will allow the affiliates to commercialise themselves better,” Moleki said.

“A successful Border is imperative if cricket is to remain sustainable. There may be a case for CSA to look into targeted assistance to Border in the future but we also need Border to realise the future is in their hands”David Richardson

Over the last few months, provinces had to submit bids to CSA to make a case to be considered for the top tier. Their bids were required to include everything from cricketing and financial operations and women’s and age-group development, to transformation policies and stadium infrastructure.”The bidding process was conducted in parallel to various studies and consultations that involved all the affiliates. It was transparent, independent and fair,” Richardson said. “Mpumalanga decided not to submit a bid for the first tier at this stage. Then there were five or six provinces who stood out as having the stronger argument and a group of seven to ten others that were very close.” Provinces were rated on a scorecard by independent auditors, with the eight top-scorers being placed in Division 1. Those teams are: Boland (based in Paarl), Eastern Province (Port Elizabeth), Free State (Bloemfontein), Gauteng (Johannesburg), Kwa-Zulu Natal Coastal (Durban), North-West (Potchefstroom), Northerns (Centurion) and Western Province (Cape Town). That left the teams in Division 2 as: South Western Districts (Oudtshoorn), Easterns (Benoni), Kwa-Zulu Natal Inland (Pietermarizburg), Border (East London), Northern Cape (Kimberley), Mpumalanga (Whiteriver) and Limpopo (Polokwane).”A successful Border is imperative if cricket is to remain sustainable” – David Richardson•AFP/Getty ImagesOne surprise, and two success storiesThe big surprise in the initial groupings was the exclusion of Border from Division 1. Known as the hotbed of black African cricket, the union failed to impress CSA, but the board is hopeful that the East London-based union will work its way up.”The evaluation committee have no doubt as to the potential of the Border Cricket region. There’s a cricket culture there. Black Africans have played cricket for a long time. They know cricket, they love cricket. A successful Border is imperative if cricket is to remain sustainable,” Richardson said. “There may be a case for CSA to look into targeted assistance to Border in the future but we also need Border to realise the future is in their hands. If they were a little bit closer to some of the other provinces from a strategic point of view, they may have been considered for division one but they were off the pace in the cricket and financial area.”Apart from being strapped for cash, Border have had a difficult time in the field. Most recently, they were bowled out for 16 in 11.4 overs at the weekend – equalling the lowest score in South African first-class cricket – to lose by an innings and 179 runs to Kwa-Zulu Natal.The two smaller teams, both in financial and geographic terms, that have earned the right to play in Division 1 are North-West and Boland. North-West’s bid succeeded thanks to their close affiliation to the university of the same name, which assists with player recruitment and development and because they “are well-administered and have developed their infrastructure tremendously”, according to Richardson. The union also successfully hosted the bio-secure bubble in which the franchise one-day cup was played this season.Boland, where current Mzansi Super League champions, the Paarl Rocks, are based, impressed with their “tremendous fan base and a true cricket culture”, Richardson said. “They have a stadium of very good quality and their development pathways are excellent. And they produce results. They contribute players to the franchise system and their provincial team has consistently done well over the last four years.”The next step in the restructuring process would be player and coach contracting. Once the national contract list is announced towards the end of the month, provincial teams can finalise their squads, which will clarify those who will continue to be part of the set-up and which players will be out of contract. SACA has already held consultations with all currently contracted players. “The work has already started. We need to manage the impact upon players and the impact is significant. It’s never nice to deal with players leaving the system,” Breetzke said.Similarly, CSA will work with any coaches or administrative staff who are not retained in the new system. “There will be staff that may end up losing their employment. It is something that we promised we will provide support for,” Moseki said.

Harry Kane has revealed his desire to keep both Bayern and Tottenham fans happy led to his goalscoring display against Arsenal last season.

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Bayern faced Arsenal home and awayGerman club drew in London and won in MunichKane scored at the EmiratesFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Kane scored at the Emirates in the Champions League quarter-finals last season as Bayern beat Arsenal over two legs. The England captain netted from the penalty spot in the 2-2 draw in London, and played as Bayern won 1-0 at the Allianz Arena, thanks to Joshua Kimmich's header.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Now, a documentary produced by Bayern shows Kane explaining his motivation for the fixture beforehand, and he insisted he had to keep both Spurs and Bayern fans happy by putting the Gunners to the sword. Kane actually has a remarkable record against Arsenal, and has scored eight goals and laid on six assists in 21 clashes with the club.

WHAT KANE SAID

Speaking in Bayern's documentary, titled 'Chasing Wembley', Kane said: "Arsenal are having a really good season, they're a really good team, so it'll be a tough game. Of course, for me personally, it'll be a special game for many reasons. Of course, it puts the pressure on because it's not only Bayern Munich fans I'm trying to keep happy. I need to try and keep the Tottenham fans happy as well!"

GettyWHAT NEXT?

Bayern, who are currently unbeaten at the top of the Bundesliga, play Eintracht Frankfurt on Sunday. Kane will hope to bounce back after a dismal performance in his side's 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa in the Champions League in midweek.

Satterthwaite became New Zealand’s second-highest ODI run-scorer during her unbeaten century

ESPNcricinfo staff28-Feb-2021Amy Satterthwaite’s seventh ODI century and a fine all-round display from Amelia Kerr carried New Zealand to a seven-wicket victory in the third ODI against England, ending a run off 11 consecutive defeats in the format.During the course of her unbeaten 119, Satterthwaite became the third New Zealand batter to pass 4000 ODI runs and by the end was at the second place overall behind Suzie Bates having overtaken Debbie Hockley in the closing moments of the chase.In a match that was played behind closed doors at University Oval after the Covid-19 alert level changes in New Zealand last night, England had been well placed on 115 for 1 but lost their way and fell 2.1 overs short of seeing out the 50 overs with Tammy Beaumont carrying her bat with her third half-century of the series.Related

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Early in the chase, it appeared New Zealand’s batting line-up could misfire again as both openers fell in single figures. Then Sophie Devine was lbw to Kate Cross to leave them 51 for 3.However, Satterthwaite took charge alongside Amelia, who had earlier cleaned up England’s tail to finish with 4 for 42, as an England attack without Katherine Brunt couldn’t build pressure against the pair. Either side of bringing up her century from 120 balls, Satterthwaite deposited Sophie Ecclestone and Sarah Glenn for sixes.After England opted to bat first Danni Wyatt’s lean series ended when she was caught behind in the second over but Beaumont and Heather Knight added 109 to lay a solid platform. That changed when Knight was lbw to Amelia and a brisk start by Nat Sciver was cut off by Brooke Halliday.New Zealand chipped away at the middle order with Devine striking twice as Beaumont started to run out of partners. Amelia’s legspin was too much for the lower order as the last three wickets fell for five runs.With her side having won the series 2-1, Knight, the England captain, said she was “definitely frustrated” at not having come away with a clean sweep.”We were 30 runs short with the bat,” Knight said. “I thought the Kiwis bowled brilliantly… it’s a real learning for us as a side, as a batting unit when the pitch is a little bit slow and we’ve set that platform, you’ve got to find a way to be able to push on to get to that 250-260 consistently.”The Kiwis were great in how they chased it down. Amy was outstanding, and Amelia as well. They were able to put us under pressure and with 30 runs short or so we had to search for wickets a little bit.”Knight was full of praise for Satterthwaite, whose century came four years – almost to the day – since her previous one, although she came close with 92 in an ODI against Australia in 2019. Since then, Satterthwaite has returned from maternity leave after giving birth Grace, her daughter with wife and team-mate Lea Tahuhu. Tahuhu suffered a hamstring injury in the first match, which ruled her out of the rest of this series.”Four thousand ODI runs for her today as well,” Knight said of Satterthwaite. “I know Amy pretty well… I know what a good player she is.”I saw her at breakfast this morning with Grace on her lap and I was thinking how tough that would be to be having a baby and then be preparing for an ODI as well but she takes it in her stride, as does Lea. So congrats to her. She’s a real example for them and a really good player for the Kiwis.”

According to joint-administrator Kris Wigfield, Sheffield Wednesday are now expecting “concrete” takeover bids “soon” as the Owls push towards a new era.

The numbers of bidders for Sheffield Wednesday are “well into the double figures” but Wigfield urged “patience” in the effort to find a new buyer for the club. Wednesday’s well-established financial issues culminated in them being placed into administration last month, which led to a 12-point deduction and left them rooted to the foot of the Championship.

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Amass has been a great success.

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A flexible deadline of next Friday has been set for offers for the Owls, four weeks after they went into administration, and Wigfield has been encouraged by the number of suitors for the club.

Any sale can only be completed once a prospective owner has passed the English Football League’s fit and proper persons’ test, and Wigfield insisted finding feasible applicants will take time.

Wigfield took the time to thank fans for their support since arriving at the club, which has helped those at Hillsborough pay their staff and players in time.

Regarding the takeover, a number of parties have reportedly shown proof of funds worth £50m and an American party has even been shown around the club ahead of a potential bid.

Sheffield Wednesday braced for "concrete" takeover bid

With next Friday’s soft deadline in place, the Owls are bracing themselves for a “concrete” takeover bid, which may be on its way imminently ahead of next week’s soft deadline.

Wigfield revealed the news and told fans that he expects bids to arrive as soon as enquiries are thinned down to “serious” buyers. The join-administrator once again reiterated that there has been substaintal interest in buying the club.

He said: “This discussion is to be expected for such a big club and as we quickly approach the end of the EFL’s compulsory marketing deadline it is likely to intensify.

“However, we will hope to see concrete offers made soon as enquiries – which have been well into the double figures from across the globe – are thinned down into serious and viable bidders that can secure the long-term future of Sheffield Wednesday. It is during this period that even more patience will be required.”

Whilst they look destined for relegation on the pitch, things are finally beginning to look up for Sheffield Wednesday in the boardroom as they look to meet next Friday’s takeover deadline.

Sheffield Wednesday takeover latest

“I am not trying to make a place for myself in the India team – if I have the ability to make the team win, then only I want to play”

Daya Sagar29-Sep-20242:40

Radha: ‘Can only justify playing if I’m helping the team win’

There are the star batters. And then there are the spinners. The main sources of strength, and hope, for India at the T20 World Cup in the UAE next month. At the forefront of that spin attack are Deepti Sharma and Radha Yadav, the senior pros, and the second of those, Radha, is talking up the spinners’ preparedness for the task at hand: “Whatever the pitch, the conditions and the pressure of big matches, we are ready.”With Shreyanka Patil and Asha Sobhana, plus the part-timers, for company, Radha, with her left-arm spin bowled with a high action, and offspinner Deepti form a formidable spin attack.Related

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“Look, whatever the team combination, all of us spinners are ready. Our preparations are going on,” Radha told ESPNcricinfo at a QUA brand shoot in Delhi earlier this month. “We [the spinners] always talk about what kind of pitch we are playing on and how to bowl on that pitch, how much turn we should try to get, which variations to bowl… There is a good bonding among the four of us, even though this spin quartet is new.”Not long ago, Radha had found herself out of the India T20I team. She wasn’t in the mix after the T20 World Cup in South Africa, in February 2023, and only returned to the lineup after WPL 2024 for the tour of Bangladesh in April 2024.Speaking in May, Radha had attributed her success at the WPL – ten wickets at an economy of 7.48 – to being calmer and less aggressive than before: “Because of the aggression, I used to lose my rhythm at times. So now, I try to be calm with a smiling face.” Since her comeback, she has picked 22 wickets in 13 matches and has conceded runs at only 6.27. The change has worked, clearly.Since her comeback, Radha Yadav has picked 22 wickets in 13 T20Is and has conceded runs at only 6.27•Getty Images”I am not trying to make a place for myself in the India team, if I have the skill and the ability to make the team win, then only I want to play,” she said. “Otherwise, I don’t think I have to be a permanent member of the team. The only thing that goes on in my mind is how much I should improve myself so that I can make my team win in any situation.”Not trying to win every battle and every moment of a game have helped too.”If you have gone through a bad time, then to come back after that, your mindset should be very good, so that you can accept everything and express yourself,” Radha said. “Amol [Muzumdar, the head coach] sir has told me a lot about controlled aggression, and I have learned controlled aggression from him.”Earlier I used to think only about cricket. But my friends explained to me that sometimes one has to go out, one has to enjoy life. Cricket is just a part of life, not the whole life. Now when I am not playing cricket, I don’t think about cricket too much. I live with my parents. I go to cafes with friends. My hobbies are playing FIFA, dancing, going on long drives; I have started doing all this a lot more now.”But it isn’t, and can’t be, only about a mindset change. Sure, it has helped Radha visibly, but she has looked a better bowler, more penetrative, more impactful.

“The learning and teaching are not limited to cricket only; we learn a lot as human beings too. We see how a big player is playing, their approach, their mistakes, their failures. There is a lot to learn”Radha Yadav on the biggest benefit of franchise cricket

“I always see how much more I can improve, how much fitter I can get, how much I can sweat in the gym… all these things are in my hands,” Radha said. “Of course, no one can say that ‘okay, I have done all this, now I will also get the results’. That is not in my hand. After this, whatever results come, I accept that too.”Yes, earlier it was a little difficult – ‘I am working so hard and the result should also be good’. But that does not happen. Everyone is working hard, but the result will come only when it has to come. I think I have figured it out.”Some skills keep changing because you cannot use the same skillset all the time. You have to evolve. But if you are successful in a skill, then you can continue. But your basics should be clear to you, only then you can evolve.”8:27

Newsroom: Is this India Women’s best chance to win the World Cup?

The turnaround began at the WPL this year. Radha has played for Sydney Sixers in the WBBL in the past, but her latest coming can be linked directly to the WPL where, incidentally, Patil and Sobhana were the top-two wicket-takers. The franchise circuit is certainly helping women’s cricket.”A lot of players come together in franchise cricket. Our domestic players also learn a lot from foreign players. We international players also learn a lot from them,” Radha said. “The learning and teaching are not limited to cricket only; we learn a lot as human beings too. We see how a big player is playing, their approach, their mistakes, their failures. There is a lot to learn.”Now there is the T20 World Cup. In the UAE. There is a lot of hope going around, that this might be India’s turn to get the global title they haven’t so far. If India are to pull it off, spin will have to play a massive role. Hearing – and reading – Radha, and looking at her performances in the recent past, she does seem ready for it.

Former Southampton manager Russell Martin is “still in contention” for what would be a stunning return to St Mary’s.

Though Southampton endured a dismal 2024/25 Premier League campaign, they were still expected to be strong contenders for an immediate promotion from the Championship. Having established himself with Reims and Lens in Ligue 1, Will Still was appointed as Saints manager in the summer.

Despite his obvious potential as a coach, Still was unable to make things click during what was his first job in English football. After winning just two matches out of 13 in the second tier, Still was sacked by the club who, at the time, were 21st in the league following three successive defeats.

Working as interim boss of the Saints, Tonda Eckert won his first game in charge against Queens Park Rangers. Having been called up temporarily from the Under-21s, Eckert has made a good start to his time in charge as Southampton pursue a permanent successor to Still.

Now, reports have indicated that Southampton, who are eight points adrift of the top six, could look to bring a former manager back to the club.

Martin to return to Southampton?

According to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, Martin is “still held in high regard at Southampton and has admirers in the boardroom”.

Taking over the Saints in 2023 after managing MK Dons and Swansea City, Martin guided Southampton to the Premier League via the Championship play-offs.

Wedded to his patient, possession-based brand of football, Martin was sacked by the club in December 2024, in a season that saw the club become the first Premier League side to be condemned to relegation with as many as seven games remaining.

Martin was, in turn, hired by Rangers in the summer of 2025, going onto endure a terrible tenure in charge that lasted for just 123 days. Amongst other reported options, including Frank Lampard and Mark Robins, Martin’s current status as a free agent may mean he is more inclined to take the job.

Football Insider have reported that, whilst Martin being hired by Southampton would be “a surprise, his return has not been ruled out,” as the club do not blame him for the season that they endured in the top flight.

Having been called “unbelievable” by Flynn Downes, who Martin brought to Southampton, the 39-year-old has certainly proven himself at Southampton in the past. Given their current predicament and how badly Martin’s tenure at Rangers went, though, it remains to be seen whether Southampton push further for a reunion.

"Very intelligent" coach interested in Southampton job

England’s No. 3 has welcomed red-ball break while honing leadership skills in T20

Vithushan Ehantharajah14-Jun-2024It was Laurie Evans who broke the news to Ollie Pope that his unbeaten 100 in vain against Sussex last Friday was one short.Surrey’s Vitality Blast captain had arrived early in a chase of 214, lasting the course as they fell 36 runs short for their first defeat of the campaign. With an improbable 38 needed from the final two deliveries, Pope clocked the Kia Oval scoreboards, which showed he was on 99 not out.”It’s probably the one time you can be a bit selfish,” Pope says. “You know – ‘oh go on then, I’ll take the easy single’.” A snick through to the keeper on the bounce brought the run, followed by a sheepish raise of the bat.Related

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Alas, the scoreboard was wrong. Pope was actually on 98 when he faced the penultimate ball of the innings.”I got back into the changing room and Laurie Evans came up, shook my hand and went, ‘Nice 99 mate, well played!’ I was like, ‘What?!'” It would have been Pope’s first limited-overs century.”It was obviously annoying, but at the same time, we lost the game. If I did get a hundred, we still lose the game. That’s the thing that’s wrong with cricket – people think that one run should make a difference. It’s obviously nice to get those milestones. But when you lose, it doesn’t really matter.”Last Friday’s hiccup aside, Surrey have enjoyed a strong start to the Blast, winning three out of four and sitting third, with Somerset and Sussex above them in a strong South Group. Regular skipper Chris Jordan’s presence at the World Cup – one of three Surrey players in the England squad, along with Will Jacks and Reece Topley – presented Pope, England Test vice-captain, with the opportunity to enhance his leadership CV. He admits the last couple of weeks have been a crash course in captaincy, particularly game management.”It’s been good so far,” Pope says. “The thing for me is that I haven’t really played T20 cricket, so I was a bit behind – not the rules, but I guess just managing it. You forget how hectic and frenetic it can be out there. That first game [against Hampshire] we had to field with five inside the ring for the last over because we were slow between the overs. I felt like I couldn’t go any quicker! So there are a few things like that you need to sharpen up as quickly as you can.”The bowlers have bowled nicely overall, which makes my job easier. The last game [against Sussex] was probably the first time we’ve been put under some real pressure. They played nicely and it’s just trying to find a way to keep your calmness around the group. And also be at peace in T20 cricket that someone might get you. If someone hits the ball you want to bowl for four or six, then you have to be at peace with that.”Despite the new challenges, Pope is glad for the Blast after an uncharacteristically tough start to the County Championship season. Surrey sit top, but Pope is averaging 24.00 from nine innings, a paltry return considering he arrived into the summer boasting an average of 70.31 in first-class cricket for the county. Off the back of a tour of India, which began with a match-winning 196 in the first Test at Hyderabad before falling away to finish with a series total of 315, it was the last thing he wanted.

“I’ve had some good runs, good innings and then periods like the back end of India. If I can get an early score, can I back that up in the next game and the game after that? It’s about being ruthless”Ollie Pope on his Test form

“Coming back from India, I was like, ‘Right, have a couple weeks off and get stuck into the county stuff’. There was always this expectation for me to just go and score runs week in and week out. And then when I don’t, it’s like, ‘Why is this happening?'””I had a couple of low scores early, made a sixty [63 against Worcestershire] and a forty [44 against Warwickshire] and just struggled to get going. It has been kind of frustrating, but at the same time I think it’s quite a nice time for this T20 block to come. You can go and express yourself; you can hit balls, strong shots on the up, pick up length quickly and hit good pull shots. Sometimes, playing county cricket, it can feel like every ball is around the knee roll. It’s a great challenge but freeing up can help my red-ball game as well.”It speaks to how strong India finished the Test series, moving on from Hyderabad emphatically to triumph 4-1, that Pope’s memories of his century – one that drew rave reviews from many, including India head coach Rahul Dravid – are minimal, to a point.”It wasn’t until I got back and people were like ‘well done in India’ that I was like, ‘oh yeah – thanks!’ I’ve got high expectations of myself so I was disappointed with how the rest of the series went.”Hyderabad, he says, will always have a special place in his heart, the best feeling he has had in Test cricket, though he has not watched the innings back. But the fits and starts that followed – two 23s, a 39, three single-figure scores, including two ducks, then 11 and 19 in the final Test – still irk. Three dismissals in particular.”The last two [in Dharamsala] were annoying because I felt good on a good pitch. I ran past Kuldeep and top-edged a sweep off Ashwin. The other was my first innings [in Ranchi, the fourth Test], where I ran down the wicket when it was nipping around a bit. Somehow DRS said it was out, but, again, the shot I wasn’t too happy with after. Everything I’ve worked on over the last few years is trusting my defence, which I didn’t do.England’s tour of India ended on a low note for Pope•Gareth Copley/Getty”You get a few good balls – you always do – but there were dismissals where I’m thinking, ‘Why did I do that?’ They’re the learnings I can take. You become a better player by learning from those mistakes.”The summer is an opportune time to channel those frustrations. Pope will play the remainder of Surrey’s Blast matches in this block ahead of the return of the County Championship at the end of June. He will play away to Worcestershire, starting June 23, before missing the next round ahead of the first of three West Indies Tests, at Lord’s on July 10. Three more Tests against Sri Lanka follow, before tours of Pakistan and New Zealand before the year is out.Though England’s batting remains largely settled, they are likely to broach the prospect of a new wicketkeeper in a bid for more consistency after Jonny Bairstow and Ben Foakes shared duties over the last two years. Pope’s Surrey team-mate Jamie Smith has been touted as an option, likewise Lancashire’s Phil Salt, who has been in impressive T20 form.But what of Pope, who has fulfilled the role for England on three occasions? Would he be game? He laughs when the option is put to him. The last time he kept wicket was the second Test of the Pakistan tour at the end of 2022 – one of only eight times he has done so in a first-class match.”I’d do whatever is required from me,” he answers diplomatically. “Me as a keeper, I’ve always been a keeper, but batting at three over the last two years back in the Test team, that’s been my focus.”My volume of keeping hasn’t been up to what it should be. I’ve not been able to train much with it. I’d never say no to anything like that, but it’d mean I’d have to get my keeping gloves and dust them off. I’m not sure. I’ve not kept in a good while but if that’s the case, it’ll be crack on and work hard.”The No. 3 position he has assumed since Ben Stokes took the captaincy in 2022 is going well – averaging 41.75, set against a career Test average of 34.04 – even if he does want to adopt a more bloody-minded streak. That, at this juncture, remains his primary focus.”I’d like to keep making it my own and churn more consistently in that spot. I’ve had some good runs, good innings and then periods like the back end of India. If I can get an early score, can I back that up in the next game and the game after that? It’s about being ruthless.”

Join us for updates, analysis and colour from the first day of the Brisbane Test

Varun Shetty15-Jan-2021*Most recent entry will appear at the top, please refresh your page for the latest updates. All times are local.
5.30pm local/1pm IST: StumpsAustralia will be pleased with the day. It didn’t begin particularly well, with two wickets, but India gave them a sniff by dropping Labuschagne early and he’s anchored a positive innings on the day one. India were hamstrung with their best two bowlers going out, and the new faces might have felt like they were doing a decent job until Australia flipped the pressure on them through flowing knocks from Smith, Wade, Green and Paine right at the end. By the end of the day, India looked like a fading team, and the hosts have capitalised on that. India have also ended the day a bowler short. It could be a long day tomorrow.4.30pm local/12pm IST: The pitchGetty ImagesIt’s been a difficult pitch to assess from afar. Natarajan’s two wickets were deliveries that kicked off the surface and got big on two pull shots. The only real instance of that any time previously was the delivery off which Labuschagne was dropped earlier in the day. And these all came off different bowlers, and form differing lines. So what do you put it down to? The range of pace? The likelihood of a bowler getting it to grip? Cracks in the pitch? And in that case, the cracks would have to be on both the left- and right-handers’ sides. Which sounds far fetched so early in a Test. Perhaps the only characteristic that an be gauged confidently is its slow nature.3.56pm local/11.26am IST

Navdeep Saini has complained of pain in his groin. He is currently being monitored by the BCCI medical team.#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/NXinlnZ9W5

— BCCI (@BCCI) January 15, 2021