The big story: Broadcaster Mark Nicholas taken to hospital

Cricketer-turned-commentator Mark Nicholas was taken to hospital after complaining of “abdominal pains” during the first day of the second Test between Australia and Pakistan in Melbourne. Nicholas was reportedly “visibly struggling and sweating profusely” as he was taken for treatment by paramedics, according to reports.

Co-commentator Michael Slater announced: “Just to let you know he’s fallen ill today with abdominal pains and he’s been taken to hospital for testing. We wish him well.” Nicholas was later said to be “in good spirits”.

Other top stories

Cricket

  1. New Zealand took a 1-0 lead in the three-match One-Day International series against Bangladesh with a comfortable 77-run win in Christchurch. The Kiwis scored 341/7 after batting first. The visitors put up a stern fight but lost steam, folding up for 264.
  2. The first day’s play of the second Test between Pakistan and Australia came to a premature end because of rain. At the close of play, Misbah-ul-Haq’s side were at 142/4, with Azhar Ali batting on 66. For the hosts, Jackson Bird was the pick of the bowlers, dismissing Misbah and Younis Khan.
  3. South Africa made a solid start through openers Stephen Cook and Dean Elgar, swiftly moving to 92/0 in the first session of the first Test against Sri Lanka at Port Elizabeth. Cook is unbeaten on 52.
  4. India will have a conditioning camp in Bengaluru before they play their limited-overs games against England. The aim of the camp is for the management to assess the  workload of the players.
  5. Zimbabwe pacer Brian Vitori has been suspended from bowling in international cricket for the next 12 months. The left-armer was reported to have flexed his elbow over the permissible 15 degree limit in the recently held tri-series final against Sri Lanka. 

Football

  1. Sunderland striker Jermaine Defoe is “indispensable”, said manager David Moyes. Crystal Palace are reportedly interested in signing the 34-year-old.
  2. Mexican side Tigres beat Club America on penalties in the final of the 2016 Apertura final. America all but had their name on the cup when Tigres midfielder Jesus Duenas equalised to send the game into a battle from 12 yards out.

Basketball

  1. It was a Christmas thriller on offer for the NBA fans as the Cleveland Cavaliers edged past Golden State Warriors 109-108 on Sunday. Kyrie Irving’s tremendous display during the end of the contest proved to be the difference between the two teams. 

Golf

  1. Comeback hero Rashid Khan received his second PGTI Order of Merit for Rolex Rankings. The Delhi folfer finished runner-up at the PGTI year-ending McLeod Russel Tour Championship 2016 at Kolkata with a 12-under 276 (70-64-70-72).