The big news: India look to make it 4-0

India face England in the fifth and final Test in Chennai on Friday. For Virat Kohli, a 4-0 win will mean sweet revenge as he will avenge memories of his disastrous 2014 England tour. As for England, a win will boost their confidence ahead of the One-Day Internationals and Twenty20 Internationals next month.

India might go in with an unchanged playing XI, a first under Kohli while England will likely hand a debut to left-arm spin all-rounder Liam Dawson. They are also talks of Stuart Broad making a return after a fitness Test on the eve of the Test.

However, preparations were on as the organisers are trying to to get the venue up to scratch after the devastation caused by Cyclone Vardah.

Other top stories:

  1. Australian captain Steve Smith smashed a brilliant 110 not out to take his side to 288/3 at the end of first day’s play at the Gabba against Pakistan. Smith was partnered well with Peter Handscomb, who also remained unbeaten on 64. Mohammad Amir was the pick of the bowlers taking the crucial wicket of David Warner.       
  2. On Thursday, the Supreme Court pulled up Board of Control for Cricket in India president Anurag Thakur for allegedly lying under oath and trying to obstruct its verdict on implementation of the RM Lodha panel reforms. The Supreme Court also asked the Board to suggest names for the post of an administrator to oversee cricketing matters and granted them one week’s time for the same. Only an apology can help Thakur prevent jail time, said the Apex Court.      
  3. After a gap of six years, New Zealand’s Neil Broom, who last played an ODI in March 2010, has been recalled to the upcoming three-match series against Bangladesh, which starts from December 26. Wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi, too, has been recalled in place of BJ Watling. Two other players who were part of the squad were Henry Nicholls and Todd Astle. 
  4. England fast bowler James Anderson is set to miss the final Test against India in Chennai owing to body soreness, said England captain Alastair Cook. Anderson, who missed the first Test of the series in Rajkot due to a shoulder injury, is experiencing soreness in his ankles and in the shoulder. 
  5. India’s Test skipper Virat Kohli said on Thursday that he would be keen to play country cricket in England before his team’s tour of the country in 2018. “If I have a chance, I would love to do that. I would love to be there a month, a month and a half before the tour, get used to playing in those conditions, understand how the wickets behave in that particular time of the year,” said Kohli. “Preparation is something which is crucial for any side.”      
  6. India’s Under-19 team won their first match in the Junior Asia Cup by beating Malaysia by 235 runs. Batting first, India posted 289 for eight with Prithvi Shaw hitting 89. In reply, Malaysia were bowled out for just 54, as Kamlesh Nagarkoti picked up a four-wicket haul.