In Test cricket, just as a batsman's century is considered important, similarly a bowler's 5 wicket haul is also seen as an achievement. In the second test match being played between Australia and India in Adelaide, the Indian Cricket Team was reduced to only 180 runs. For Australia, Mitchell Starc bowled strongly and took 6 wickets. This is Starc's best performance in an innings in Test. He took 6 wickets for 48 runs in 14.1 overs. Starc has taken five or more wickets against India for the first time in Test. With this, Starc moves to 15 five-wicket hauls in Tests, only behind legendary Wasim Akram. Let's take a look at the top 4 left-arm pacers with most five-wicket hauls.

Also Read: Most Wickets for India in Pink Ball Test

Most five-wicket hauls in Test | Top 4 left-arm pacers

1# Wasim Akram | 25

Wasim Akram, considered one of the greatest left-arm fast bowlers of all time, has the most five-wicket hauls amongst left-arm pacers in Tests. He took 25 five-wicket hauls in 181 innings of 104 Test matches for Pakistan. He was renowned for his swing and the 'Sultan of Swing' played Test cricket from 1985-2002 claiming 414 Test wickets.

2# Mitchell Starc | 15*

Star Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc surpassed former Australian pacer Alan Davidson in most five-wicket hauls amongst left-arm pacers in Tests. He took 15 five-wicket hauls in Test cricket. Having played 91 games, he has picked a total of 367 wickets at an average of 27.53. 226 of his wickets have come at home at 26. Earlier this year, Starc became only the fifth Australian bowler to achieve 350 wickets in Test cricket. He joined an elite list that includes the legendary Shane Warne and Brett Lee.

3# Alan Davidson | 14

Australia’s Alan Davidson was magnificent between 1953 and 1963, with injuries unfortunately costing him more matches. In 44 Tests, the left-arm pace bowler took a brilliant 14 five-wicket hauls, part of his 186 wickets at an average of 20.53. He also scored 1,328 Test runs at an average of 24.59. Davidson starred in the 1960 tied Test against West Indies. He took 11 wickets (5/135 and 6/87) and was magnificent with the bat as well (44 and 80). A true superstar of the game.

4# Chaminda Vaas | 12

Chaminda Vaas, a former Sri Lankan cricketer and current fast bowling coach of the Sri Lankan team, took 12 five-wicket hauls and twice 10 wickets in a match. Vaas, who made his Test debut against Pakistan at Kandy in 1994, claimed 354 wickets at an average of 29.40. He has a total of 16 five-wicket hauls to his name, with twelve in Tests and four in ODIs. 

The controversy over the key members of the Indian Test team not being selected for major domestic cricket tournaments continues to grow. Now The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has expressed strong displeasure over the exclusion of top international players like KL Rahul and Mohammed Siraj from the South Zone team for the upcoming Duleep Trophy.

After this, the Board has officially written a letter to all the state associations asking them to give priority to the selection of centrally contracted players for this opening tournament of the domestic season.

Also Read: Ranji Trophy: Ajinkya Rahane steps down from Mumbai captaincy ahead of the new season

Many big names were not included

South Zone announced its team on July 27. Many big names like KL Rahul, Mohammed Siraj, Washington Sundar, Prasidh Krishna and Sai Sudharsan were not included in it.

The Duleep Trophy, which begins in Bengaluru on August 28, is considered an important platform for domestic and national level talents. The board did not like the decision of the South Zone to not include these players in the team despite their availability during the off-season.

Abey Kuruvilla wrote the email

BCCI General Manager of Cricket Operations Abey Kuruvilla addressed the issue in an email sent to zonal coordinators and state units last week. According to the reports, Kuruvilla stressed the importance of ensuring the participation of all available Indian players to maintain the prestige and competitive level of the Duleep Trophy. 

Kuruvilla wrote in the email, “To uphold its prestige and ensure the highest quality of competition, it’s imperative that all currently available India players are selected for their respective zonal teams. Requesting the Zonal Convenors to ensure that all the current India players who are available to play Duleep trophy should be picked.”

“All players, contracted or otherwise, who make themselves available for selection into Team India, shall participate in domestic matches conducted by BCCI,” 

“In case any player opts not to participate in any domestic cricket tournaments in spite of availability, he/she shall not be considered for selection unless a prior recommendation is obtained to skip the match/tournament from the National coach and the chairman of the selection committee, and prior approval from the BCCI. In case any leave is granted, the same shall be considered on the basis of some valid and cogent reason.” the email said.

Instructions to give priority to domestic cricket

This directive is in line with the BCCI's policy of making participation of international players mandatory in domestic competitions. The board had previously warned players against giving priority to the IPL over first-class cricket and earlier this year reminded all contracted players to remain committed to the domestic calendar.

However, this instruction from BCCI has come after South Zone announced its team. It is still not clear whether the selectors will make any changes in their list or not. Tilak Verma was made the captain of the team.

Also Read: Duleep Trophy: Shardul Thakur to lead the West Zone; no Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara in the squad

Questions were raised on international players

Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Kuldeep Yadav, Akash Deep, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh and Shreyas Iyer among many other players are expected to participate in the tournament representing their respective regions.

The state associations have previously expressed concern that the automatic inclusion of Indian stars in the regional teams overlooks Ranji players who have performed consistently throughout the season.

Many have argued that matches such as India A tours and Board President's XI would be a more suitable platform for international players, leaving regional tournaments as a rewarding avenue for domestic players.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has extended the contract of Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar. According to the report, he will remain in this position till June 2026. The decision came just two days after India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad announcement. Former fast bowler Agarkar was made the chairman of Team India's selection committee in July 2023.

Also Read: Five things from Asia Cup team announcement press conference

The contract was renewed before IPL 2025

According to the report, Agarkar's contract was renewed ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. During his tenure, the Indian team won titles and also saw changes (in Tests and T20s). The BCCI had extended his contract till June 2026 and he had accepted the offer a few months ago.

“Under his tenure the Indian team had won titles and had seen transition (of the Tests and T20) too. The BCCI had extended his contract till June 2026 and he had accepted the offer a few months back,” a BCCI official said.

Indian cricket team under Agarkar's tenure

During Ajit Agarkar's tenure, Team India won the T20 World Cup in 2024 and the Champions Trophy earlier this year. Apart from this, Team India also reached the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup. Where it lost to Australia.

Agarkar has also overseen leadership changes. Shubman Gill became Test captain. Suryakumar Yadav took charge of the T20I side. Meanwhile, senior stars like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma now play only ODIs. Ravichandran Ashwin has retired completely.

S Sharath could lose his place

Agarkar currently works with SS Das, Subroto Banerjee, Ajay Ratra and S Sharath. But changes are expected at the BCCI annual meeting in September.

Reports say S Sharath could lose his place. He has served close to four years as selector, the maximum allowed by BCCI rules. Sharath earlier headed the junior selection panel before joining the senior one in 2023. BCCI will soon invite applications to fill the vacancy. Officials are largely happy with the rest of the panel. Only Sharath’s role looks under review for now.

Changes will also be made for women’s and junior panels

The shake-up will not stop with the men’s committee. The BCCI will also invite applications for the women’s and junior selectors. Neetu David, head of the women’s panel, and members Arati Vaidya and Mithu Mukherjee, complete their terms this season. The junior men’s panel, led by Thilak Naidu and others, may also see changes.

Also Read: ICC Women’s World Cup 2025: Indian squad announced, Shefali Verma not in the team

Agarkar's international career

Ajit Agarkar has taken 349 international wickets in his career. He has taken 58 wickets in Tests, 288 in ODIs and 3 wickets in T20 Internationals.

Agarkar was also a part of the Indian team that won the T20 World Cup in 2007. He scored 15 runs and took one wicket in 2 matches of the tournament. India won the title by defeating Pakistan in the final of the tournament held in South Africa.

Agarkar is the fastest Indian batsman to score a half century in ODIs. He scored a half century in 21 balls against Zimbabwe in the year 2000. He has also completed the fastest 50 wickets in ODIs for India. He achieved this feat in 23 matches.

The Buchi Babu 2025 tournament has started by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association from 18 August to 9 September. In Round 1, TNCA XI and Mumbai are facing off at Gojan College B Ground. On the very first day of this match, India's Out-of-favour middle-order batsman Sarfaraz Khan has attracted everyone's attention by scoring a brilliant century.

Also Read: BCCI Central Contract 2025: Talking points from BCCI's contract announcement

Sarfaraz hit 92-ball century

Sarfaraz Khan scored this century while batting at number 5. When he came to bat, Mumbai had lost three wickets for 98 runs. After this, Sarfaraz Khan handled the team's innings and scored a stormy century. Sarfaraz reached the 100-run mark in just 92 balls. During this, he also hit 9 fours and 3 sixes. 

Not selected for England tour

This innings is special for Sarfaraz Khan in many ways, because recently he was not selected in the Indian Test team for the England tour. Sarfaraz has been in the news for his fitness for some time now. After not being selected in Team India, he worked a lot on his fitness. Sarfaraz Khan surprised everyone by losing about 17 kg in just one and a half months.

This is his first match after losing weight and he has been successful in leaving his mark in this match. Sarfaraz Khan is now eyeing to make his place in the home Test series to be played against West Indies.

Sarfaraz's Test performance for India so far

The last of Sarfaraz’s six Tests came during New Zealand’s tour of India last year. After scoring a brilliant 150 in the first Test against the Kiwis in Bengaluru, Sarfaraz just managed 21 runs in the subsequent four innings as India was blanked 0-3 at home. In 11 Test innings so far, Sarfaraz has scored 371 runs at a middling average of 37.10.

Also Read: Shreyas Iyer's best knocks in Tests

Though Sarfaraz was picked in the squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia, he didn’t play a single game in the five-match affair.

However, with Karun Nair and Sai Sudharsan failing to make a statement with the willow during the recently concluded Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series in England, Sarfaraz has a golden opportunity to be in the scheme of things again ahead of a packed home season.

Australia and South Africa are playing the 3rd T20I match Today at Cazaly’s Stadium in Cairns, a winner-takes-all contest with the series currently level at 1-1. The Aussies took the opening game by 17 runs, but the Proteas bounced back in style in the second match, defeating the hosts by 53 runs.

With the Australia vs South Africa series tied at 1-1, both sides have everything to play for, but for the Proteas, this contest carries added weight, they are chasing a piece of 16-year-old history.

Also Read: Highest Wicket Taker in Asia Cup History (ODI + T20)

The three-match series result so far

In the Australia vs South Africa first T20I in Darwin, Australia took the early lead thanks to a power-packed 83 from Tim David, who smashed eight sixes to break a 16-year-old record for most sixes by an Aussie in a T20I innings against South Africa. His fireworks ensured a 17-run victory for the hosts.

In the second T20I in Darwin, South Africa roared back spectacularly. Youngster Dewald Brevis produced a breathtaking unbeaten 125 off just 56 balls, the highest T20I score by a South African. Chasing 218, the Proteas cruised home and snapped Australia’s nine-match winning streak in the format.

This sets up a mouth-watering decider, with both teams desperate to close out the series.

The 16-year old history

South Africa has never won a bilateral T20I series in Australia since the two teams first met in the shortest format back in 2006. Every attempt since then has ended in disappointment. Now, with the series tied and momentum on their side, the Proteas have a golden chance to rewrite history. 

For Australia, pride and dominance at home are at stake. Tim David’s heroics in the first game showcased their explosive batting depth, but their bowlers will need to find answers to Brevis’ fearless hitting.

South Africa can rewrite history in Cairns

Australia won the toss and opted to bowl first in Cairns, hoping to exploit the conditions under lights. South Africa, brimming with confidence after their record chase, will look to put runs on the board and apply scoreboard pressure.

A historic first-ever T20I series win on Australian soil beckons for South Africa. For the Aussies, it’s about reasserting their dominance at home and denying the Proteas a slice of history.

Also Read: Highest Run Scorer in Asia Cup History (ODI + T20)

Every Australia vs South Africa T20I series Results

India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has returned to the nets for the first time since undergoing surgery on his lower right abdomen. Asia Cup 2025 is going to start from 9th September. All the teams have started their preparations. This time the tournament will be played in T20 format. In such a situation, it is very important for Indian T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav to be fit. The Indian skipper is now working hard to be fully fit in time for the tournament, which will also act as a key preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

If he recovers in time, SKY will not only lead the side but also have a chance to break multiple T20I records in Asia Cup 2025. Let's have a look.

Also Read: Shreyas Iyer's best knocks in Tests

Records Suryakumar Yadav can break in Asia Cup 2025

3,000 T20I Runs with 160+ Strike Rate

The 34-year-old is on the verge of becoming the first player in T20I history to score 3,000 runs while maintaining a strike rate above 160. He is currently 402 runs short of the milestone. No batter in history has got to 3,000 T20I runs with a strike rate above 150.

Most Centuries in T20Is

Surya also needs one more century to equal the joint record of five T20I hundreds held by Rohit Sharma and Glenn Maxwell. Batting in the top order will give him a golden opportunity to at least equal, if not surpass, their record. Given his IPL 2025 form, breaking it outright isn’t out of the question.

Players with 150 T20I Sixes

Sky just needs four more sixes to join the elite club of players with 150 T20I sixes, with 146 sixes to his name. Only Rohit (205), Martin Guptill (173), Muhammad Waseem (168), and Jos Buttler (160) have cleared the rope more often. This one could be ticked off within a match or two.

Surya is focused on recovery and fitness

To speed up his recovery, Suryakumar withdrew from the Duleep Trophy 2025 and has been concentrating on strength-building, mobility work, and match fitness at the NCA. His training is aimed at ensuring he can handle the demands of back-to-back matches in the Asia Cup.

Also Read: ENG vs IND: Every record Shubman Gill broke in test series

Surya's performance in IPL 2025

Surya was last seen playing for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2025. He batted brilliantly this season and won the Most Valuable Player award by scoring 717 runs for Mumbai Indians.

Rohit Sharma retired from the T20 format after the T20 World Cup 2024. After this, Surya is captaining the Indian T20I team. Surya has shown excellent captaincy. He has won 17 matches for India in 22 matches. 

The Indian team will start its campaign in Asia Cup 2025 from September 10, where it will face UAE. Apart from this, the big match between India and Pakistan will be played on September 14.