Galle, January 30, 2025 – Australia stamped their authority on the opening Test of the Murali-Warner Test Series against Sri Lanka, posting a mammoth 654/6 before declaring on Day 2 at the Galle International Stadium. The hosts found themselves in deep trouble at 44/3, with rain halting play and adding to their woes.

Australia’s Batting Masterclass

Australia’s innings was built on a sensational double century by Usman Khawaja (232 off 290) and a commanding 141 from Steve Smith. The duo stitched together a 250-run stand for the third wicket, exhausting Sri Lanka’s bowling attack.

Josh Inglis (100 off 90 balls) added fireworks with a rapid century, while *Alex Carey (46) and Mitchell Starc (19) provided late contributions to push the total past 650. Sri Lanka’s bowlers toiled hard, using three unsuccessful reviews, but failed to contain the visitors.

Sri Lanka’s Struggles Begin

In response, Sri Lanka’s batting crumbled early, losing three wickets for just 44 runs in 15 overs before rain interrupted play. The Aussies struck early, dismissing BOP Fernando cheaply, while Dinesh Chandimal (9*) and Kamindu Mendis (13*) were left to battle against a relentless Australian attack.

Looking Ahead

With Sri Lanka still 610 runs behind, they will need a monumental effort to avoid an innings defeat. The third day will be crucial as the hosts attempt to rebuild and stay in the contest.

Stay tuned for live updates and analysis on Sri Lankan Sports TV!

Australian opener Usman Khawaja has expressed confidence in young talent Sam Konstas as his preferred opening partner for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. Amid speculation about Travis Head potentially opening the innings, Khawaja voiced his support for Konstas, emphasizing the importance of sticking with consistent players in challenging conditions.

Khawaja echoed the sentiments of former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, who believes Konstas has earned his spot at the top of the order. The 19-year-old batter showcased his potential with 113 runs at an average of 28.25 in his first two Test matches against India.

“I’m very conservative in this regard,” Khawaja told reporters in Colombo. “You’ve got two openers, so open with them. Let them gain experience in different conditions. It’s the best way for young players to learn and grow into their roles.”

Khawaja praised the confidence and adaptability of Australia’s emerging talents, including Konstas, Nathan McSweeney, and Cooper Connolly. “Sam is very receptive to feedback, which is a great trait. At 19, it’s a steep learning curve, but his eagerness to learn and confidence make him special.”

Australia’s Transition Period in Test Cricket

With a new wave of young players stepping into the Australian Test team, Khawaja acknowledged the beginning of a transitional phase. “Over the next three to four years, there will be significant changes. I’m still enjoying the game and want to contribute for as long as possible,” he said.

The veteran left-hander also hinted at his potential retirement timeline but emphasized his commitment to the team’s success. “I’d still like to play the Ashes at the very least, but I’m taking it one summer at a time. If the selectors feel it’s time for me to step aside, I’ll respect that.”

As Australia prepares for their Test series against Sri Lanka, the spotlight remains on Konstas and the younger generation of players poised to carry the team forward.

Stay updated on Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka and other cricket news at Sri Lankan Sports TV.

New Delhi, January 27, 2025 – Cricket enthusiasts eagerly awaiting Virat Kohli’s highly anticipated return to domestic red-ball cricket will be disappointed, as no live telecast or streaming has been confirmed for Delhi’s final group-stage Ranji Trophy match against Railways.

The match, set to begin on January 30 at Arun Jaitley Stadium, marks Kohli’s first Ranji Trophy appearance since 2012, when he last played against Uttar Pradesh in Ghaziabad. Despite the excitement surrounding his comeback, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to make arrangements for a live broadcast of this marquee domestic fixture.

Excitement in the Delhi Camp

Kohli, who has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest cricketers with 80 international centuries, will be a valuable addition to Delhi’s squad, led by Ayush Badoni. His presence is expected to provide crucial exposure and learning opportunities for younger players. DDCA Secretary Ashok Sharma highlighted how this experience will benefit the squad, noting that apart from Navdeep Saini, none of the current Delhi players have played alongside Kohli in the Ranji Trophy.

Security & Spectator Arrangements

To accommodate the influx of fans, Delhi & Districts Cricket Association (DDCA) has ramped up security measures and made special arrangements, including opening additional stands at the Ambedkar Stadium End (Gate Nos. 7, 15, and 16). Spectators can enjoy free entry to witness the action, with provisions for clean drinking water and hygienic restrooms.

No Live Broadcast – A Major Letdown for Fans

While the excitement is high, the lack of a confirmed live broadcast remains a disappointment. According to a DDCA official, BCCI’s match broadcasting schedule is finalized months in advance, and Delhi’s fixture was not selected for TV or online streaming. Matches like Mumbai vs J&K, Karnataka vs Haryana, and Bengal vs Punjab have been prioritized for telecast.

Though there is speculation about a last-minute arrangement for live streaming given Kohli’s presence, officials have indicated that such a decision would be challenging due to the logistical demands of a multi-camera production setup.

Delhi’s Squad for the Match

Squad: Ayush Badoni (C), Virat Kohli, Pranav Rajvanshi (WK), Sanat Sangwan, Arpit Rana, Mayank Gusain, Shivam Sharma, Sumit Mathur, Vansh Bedi (WK), Money Grewal, Harsh Tyagi, Siddhant Sharma, Navdeep Saini, Yash Dhull, Gagan Vats, Jonty Sidhu, Himmat Singh, Vaibhav Kandpal, Rahul Gehlot, Jitesh Singh.

Final Thoughts

While Kohli’s return to domestic cricket is a historic moment, the lack of live coverage remains a significant letdown for fans eager to watch their favorite star in action. However, spectators in Delhi will have a golden opportunity to witness Kohli’s presence at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Will BCCI reconsider and bring this match to fans worldwide? Only time will tell.

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