India captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and elected to bowl first against the West Indies in the opening T20I of the five-match series in Lucknow. It was Iyer’s 14th toss victory in 17 matches as India captain, while the West Indies were still waiting for their first toss win on their fourth international match of the tour. India made one significant change to their batting combination, opting for an extra specialist middle-order batter and leaving out young opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The decision meant India moved away from the three-opener combination they had used during the Asian Games in Japan under stand-in coach VVS Laxman. Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan retained their places alongside Abhishek Sharma, while Naman Dhir was handed another opportunity after making a strong impression on his ODI debut earlier in the tour. India went in with three specialist bowlers in Arshdeep Singh, Mayank Yadav and Kuldeep Yadav. The all-round options were Axar Patel, Shivam Dube and debutant Naman Dhir, giving the hosts additional depth in both batting and bowling. The West Indies, meanwhile, strengthened their T20 squad after losing the preceding ODI series 2-1. They handed a T20I debut to 30-year-old right-handed opener Kamil Pooran, who earned his place following a successful Caribbean Premier League campaign. The visitors opted for an additional seam-bowling option, with Shamar Joseph, Shamar Springer, Matthew Forde and Romario Shepherd included in the playing XI. Akeal Hosein and Roston Chase were the two specialist finger spinners. India Playing XI Abhishek Sharma Sanju Samson (wk) Ishan Kishan Shreyas Iyer (capt) Tilak Varma Shivam Dube Naman Dhir Axar Patel Kuldeep Yadav Mayank Yadav Arshdeep Singh West Indies Playing XI Shai Hope (capt & wk) Kamil Pooran Shimron Hetmyer Rovman Powell Sherfane Rutherford Romario Shepherd Roston Chase Matthew Forde Shamar Springer Akeal Hosein Shamar Joseph With India choosing to bowl first, the spotlight will be on the West Indies' revamped batting line-up and debutant Kamil Pooran, while the hosts will look to their pace attack and spin duo to make early inroads.

India have recalled veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar for the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand, marking his return to the national side nearly four years after his last international appearance in the format. The 36-year-old last played a T20I for India during their tour of New Zealand in November 2022. His return comes after an impressive IPL 2026 campaign with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where he played a key role in the team's successful title defence. Bhuvneshwar finished the IPL 2026 season with 28 wickets from 16 matches, making him the second-highest wicket-taker in the tournament, just one wicket behind Purple Cap winner Kagiso Rabada. He was particularly effective in the knockout stages, claiming four wickets against Gujarat Titans — two in Qualifier 1 and another two in the final. The experienced seamer had also impressed during the 2025 IPL season, when he picked up 17 wickets. Overall, Bhuvneshwar has represented India in 87 T20Is, taking 90 wickets at an average of 23.10 and an economy rate of 6.96. Varun Chakravarthy Makes Comeback Legspinner Varun Chakravarthy has also returned to the India squad after recovering from a side strain. The injury was suffered during the home T20I series against Afghanistan in September and subsequently ruled him out of the one-off match against Japan as well as the Asian Games. Varun had only recently returned from a hamstring injury when he picked up the side strain in the opening match against Afghanistan. His return provides India with another experienced spin option alongside Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel. However, Ravi Bishnoi has been left out of the squad after being included in India's team for the ongoing T20I series against the West Indies. Hardik Pandya, Harshit Rana Remain Unavailable India will continue to be without all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who suffered a fresh shin injury in late September. The injury also forced him to withdraw from India A's ODI series against Australia A. Fast bowler Harshit Rana is another notable absentee as he continues to recover from an injury sustained during rehabilitation in early September. Apart from the returning Bhuvneshwar and Varun, the squad largely remains unchanged from India's ongoing T20I series against the West Indies. India Squad for New Zealand T20Is Shreyas Iyer (captain) Abhishek Sharma Sanju Samson Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Ishan Kishan Tilak Varma Axar Patel Shivam Dube Nitish Kumar Reddy Naman Dhir Prince Yadav Mayank Yadav Arshdeep Singh Bhuvneshwar Kumar Varun Chakravarthy Kuldeep Yadav Bhuvneshwar's recall adds experience to India's pace attack, while Varun's return strengthens the spin department as India prepare for the five-match T20I series against New Zealand.

Smriti Mandhana has been appointed India's new all-format women's captain, succeeding Harmanpreet Kaur, who stepped down from the role after nearly a decade at the helm. Mandhana, who has been part of the Indian team since 2013, served as Harmanpreet's vice-captain for much of her tenure. She has previously led India in four ODIs and 18 T20Is and has also captained Maharashtra in domestic cricket and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Women's Premier League (WPL). The 29-year-old's first assignment as India's all-format captain will be the upcoming limited-overs tour of Zimbabwe. The series will begin with three T20Is in Raipur from October 16. Mandhana was also part of the selection meeting on Tuesday, chaired by former India cricketer Amita Sharma, to finalise the squad for the Zimbabwe tour. Mandhana Acknowledges Harmanpreet's Contribution Reacting to her appointment, Mandhana described the new responsibility as a "special honour" and paid tribute to Harmanpreet for her contribution to Indian women's cricket. "I would also like to acknowledge Harmanpreet and the contribution she has made as captain over the years," Mandhana said, as quoted by the BCCI. "She has led the team with great commitment and has been an important part of our journey." Mandhana also acknowledged the responsibility that comes with leading India and said she was looking forward to working with the team and learning in the process. "I understand the responsibility that comes with this role and look forward to working with the team, learning along the way and giving my best to take Indian cricket forward," she said. Appointment Comes After Review Meeting Mandhana's appointment follows a review meeting held in Guwahati on Monday. The meeting was chaired by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia and attended by Mandhana, Harmanpreet and head coach Amol Muzumdar. The meeting focused on India's future roadmap, with major tournaments on the horizon, including next year's inaugural Women's Champions Trophy in February, as well as the 2028 T20 World Cup and Los Angeles Olympics. Mandhana's Record Strengthens Her Claim Mandhana's elevation to the captaincy comes after several years of establishing herself as one of India's most important all-format players. Earlier this year, she led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their second WPL title and finished as the team's top scorer in the final. In September, Mandhana surpassed Mithali Raj to become the highest run-scorer in women's international cricket across formats. Her 18 international centuries are also the most by any player in women's cricket. She is additionally the first Indian woman to score centuries in all three international formats. With a wealth of international experience and leadership exposure behind her, Mandhana will now take charge of India's women's team across Tests, ODIs and T20Is as the side begins a new chapter under her leadership.

Shreyas Iyer smashed his maiden T20I century as India cruised to a commanding victory over the West Indies, extending their winning streak in T20 internationals to 10 matches. Chasing 172, India overcame an early wobble to race home in just 14.4 overs. Iyer produced a breathtaking assault at the end of the innings, scoring 57 of his final 18 balls and finishing with a spectacular unbeaten hundred. The West Indies had posted 171 after half-centuries from Shai Hope and Sherfane Rutherford. However, India's three-pronged spin attack played a decisive role, claiming eight wickets between them. Axar Patel set the tone during the powerplay with a double-wicket maiden. Kuldeep Yadav recovered from an expensive over to pick up two wickets, while T20I debutant Naman Dhir emerged as India's surprise hero. After being hit for a six, Dhir responded immediately with a wicket on three occasions, finishing with impressive figures of 3 for 31. Hope and Rutherford revive West Indies After losing the toss, West Indies were sent in to bat, with Shai Hope once again opening the innings. Hope, who had enjoyed a prolific ODI series, continued his excellent form and raced to four boundaries against Mayank Yadav in the second over. Arshdeep Singh then began to pull things back with a series of yorkers. His persistence paid off when Kamil Pooran played on, giving India their first breakthrough. Axar Patel then produced a decisive fourth over. Shimron Hetmyer was run out after his bat bounced up during a dive, while Rovman Powell was bowled after failing to connect with a straight delivery. West Indies finished the powerplay at 44 for 3, leaving India firmly in control. However, Hope and Rutherford mounted a strong recovery. Rutherford attacked Kuldeep Yadav with two sixes, while West Indies collected 18 runs from Axar's 11th over. With India forced to turn to their fifth bowler, Naman Dhir stepped up. Hope struck him for a six early in the over, but Dhir responded by slowing the pace and having Hope caught at deep midwicket. Romario Shepherd and Shamar Springer also fell to Dhir's variations as the debutant repeatedly responded to boundaries with wickets. West Indies, who had reached 100 for 3 after 11 overs, eventually finished on 171. India stumble before Iyer takes charge India's chase began aggressively but suffered an unexpected setback when openers Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson were dismissed by the West Indies spinners. Roston Chase and Akeal Hosein extracted enough assistance from the pitch to trouble India's top order, reducing the hosts to 36 for 2 after four overs. But the West Indies could not maintain the pressure. Ishan Kishan attacked Chase, while Iyer took on Shamar Joseph with a series of boundaries. India reached 62 for 2 at the end of the powerplay and appeared to have regained control. At the halfway stage, Iyer was batting on 45 from 25 balls, with Kishan on 25 from 16. India needed 70 runs from the final 10 overs. Iyer unleashes brutal assault What followed was a remarkable display of power hitting. Iyer suddenly shifted gears, smashing six sixes in the next 18 balls he faced. He tore into Matthew Forde during the 14th over, collecting 24 runs from it as India's chase turned into a procession. Kishan played the supporting role brilliantly, rotating the strike and allowing Iyer to remain on the attack. The right-hander eventually brought up his maiden T20I century with a series of clean, flat sixes, completing a remarkable turnaround after India's early setbacks. Iyer's explosive innings ended the contest with India reaching the target in just 14.4 overs, underlining their dominance and extending their T20I winning streak to 10 matches. For West Indies, the performances of Hope and Rutherford offered plenty of encouragement, but their lack of bowling options on a challenging Lucknow surface ultimately proved costly.

India batter Shreyas Iyer has made a huge jump in the latest ICC men's T20I rankings after his stunning maiden century in the format helped India defeat the West Indies in the series opener in Lucknow. Iyer surged 18 places to No. 7, the highest ranking of his T20I career. He smashed an unbeaten 102 off just 43 balls, producing a match-winning innings that propelled India to victory. Iyer is now the third-highest-ranked Indian batter in the T20I rankings. Ishan Kishan continues to occupy the top spot after scoring an unbeaten 37 off 27 balls, while Abhishek Sharma remains at No. 2 following his quickfire 21 off 10 deliveries. Pakistan's Sahibzada Farhan, England's Harry Brook and Jos Buttler, and South Africa's Dewald Brevis are positioned between the top two and Iyer. West Indies batter Sherfane Rutherford was another notable mover. After scoring a 34-ball 56, Rutherford climbed 10 places from No. 47 to No. 37. Rashid Khan Regains No. 1 Spot There was also a change at the top of the T20I bowling rankings, with Afghanistan's Rashid Khan reclaiming the No. 1 position from Pakistan's Abrar Ahmed. Abrar, who finished with figures of 0 for 29 in the Asian Games semi-final and 1 for 29 in the final, slipped to second place. For Rashid, it marks the eighth occasion on which he has reached the summit of the T20I bowling rankings. The Afghanistan spinner has also spent more time at No. 1 than any other bowler in the history of the rankings. India all-rounder Axar Patel made a significant jump as well. After taking four wickets in two matches at the Asian Games and returning figures of 2 for 26 against West Indies, Axar climbed 16 places to reach No. 7. Bangladesh spinners Nasum Ahmed and Mahedi Hasan also moved up the rankings, with Nasum rising three places to No. 8 and Mahedi making a 10-place jump to No. 9. Shubman Gill Extends Lead in ODI Rankings In the ODI rankings, India's Shubman Gill strengthened his position at the top of the batters' table following his unbeaten 223 in the second ODI against West Indies. The double century, Gill's second in ODI cricket, helped him extend his lead over New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell to 47 rating points. Mitchell moved up to No. 2 after Virat Kohli slipped to third. Kohli had scored a century in the opening ODI but followed it with scores of 29 and a duck in the subsequent matches against West Indies. West Indies captain Shai Hope also made significant progress after his match-winning unbeaten 162 in the third ODI. The innings lifted him two places to No. 6. India wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul, who scored a century in the same match, climbed seven places to break into the top 10 at No. 10, despite his innings coming in a losing cause. Among ODI bowlers, West Indies pacer Jayden Seales entered the top 10 after taking three wickets in the third ODI against India. He jumped 12 places to reach No. 10. The latest ICC rankings reflect a strong showing from Indian batters, with Iyer's breakthrough T20I century and Gill's commanding ODI performances driving major movement at the top of both charts.

  Former England opener Tammy Beaumont has committed her playing future to The Blaze after signing a two-year contract extension that will keep her at the club until the end of the 2028 domestic season. The 35-year-old announced her international retirement earlier this year following England’s historic first Women’s Test at Lord’s against India in July. Beaumont finished her England career with 7,327 runs across all three formats. A key figure in England’s 2017 Women’s World Cup triumph, Beaumont began her senior career with Kent in 2007. She moved to the East Midlands in 2020, joining Lightning during the post-Covid regional era, and has remained with the side through its rebranding as The Blaze in 2023. The team is expected to undergo another change next season, with the side set to come under Nottinghamshire. Beaumont has scored more than 2,600 runs in all formats across 78 appearances for Lightning and The Blaze. She enjoyed an outstanding 2025 domestic campaign, scoring more than 900 runs in 35 matches as The Blaze completed an unprecedented domestic treble across the County Cup, T20 Blast and One Day Cup. She played crucial innings in both limited-overs finals, scoring 74 in the One Day Cup final and an unbeaten 54 in the T20 Blast decider. "I'm so excited to be here for another couple of years as we hopefully try to defend some of our trophies we won this year," Beaumont said. "It's been an amazing four years here, with so many special memories at Trent Bridge, and particularly this year, winning the treble. "Trent Bridge is a really special place for me, and I have so many memories with my team-mates, our staff, and the fans, over many years. I really can't wait to keep playing at Trent Bridge and stay part of the family for a while longer yet." Beaumont, who was born in Dover, spent 12 years with her home county Kent before also representing Surrey Stars and Southern Vipers in the Kia Super League. She has also enjoyed an extensive franchise career. In The Hundred, Beaumont has represented three teams and holds the competition's highest individual score across both the men's and women's tournaments, having smashed 118 off 61 balls for Welsh Fire in 2023. She has also played for three teams in Australia's Women's Big Bash League. The Blaze head coach Craig Cumming welcomed the extension and praised Beaumont's continued importance to the squad. "We're absolutely delighted that Tammy has agreed to extend her contract for another two years," Cumming said. "It's great news for us as a team because we can continue to call upon one of the highest-quality players of this generation, who continues to be an incredibly important part of our squad. "She's shown the world over many years exactly what she can do, and now she's stepped away from internationals, we're very excited to have her as a full-time member of our group." With her international career now behind her, Beaumont will continue to play a central role in The Blaze's domestic ambitions, with the club aiming to build on a historic treble and defend its titles over the next two seasons.

Stafanie Taylor produced a landmark all-round performance as West Indies defeated Zimbabwe by eight wickets in the third T20I in Harare, completing a clean sweep in the series. Taylor became only the fourth woman in T20I history to reach the milestone of 3,000 runs and 100 wickets, achieving the feat in style with both bat and ball. After being asked to bat first, Zimbabwe posted 142 for 6, with opener Kelis Ndhlovu leading the way. Ndhlovu scored an impressive 63 from 48 deliveries, hitting six fours and three sixes, to register her fifth T20I half-century. Zimbabwe reached 40 for 1 during the powerplay before Taylor was introduced into the attack. The veteran all-rounder made an immediate impact, dismissing Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano with her second delivery to claim her 100th T20I wicket. Taylor returned later to remove Chiedza Dhururu lbw, finishing with excellent figures of 2 for 8 from her four overs. Jahzara Claxton also claimed two wickets, restricting Zimbabwe's scoring opportunities despite a late surge. Zimbabwe managed 41 runs from the final four overs, with Ndhlovu and Christine Mutasa putting together a 40-run partnership from just 27 balls for the fifth wicket. Mutasa remained unbeaten on 24, helping the hosts reach a competitive 142 for 6. West Indies, however, made light work of the chase. Claxton provided the early momentum, scoring 38 from 37 balls and forming a crucial 71-run second-wicket partnership with Taylor. Her innings ensured the visitors remained in control despite the loss of a wicket in the middle overs. Taylor then completed the chase in commanding fashion, smashing an unbeaten 64 from just 39 balls, including 11 fours. West Indies reached 143 for 2 in only 17 overs, securing an eight-wicket victory with 18 balls remaining. The difference between the two sides was particularly evident during the middle overs. Zimbabwe managed only 61 runs for the loss of three wickets between overs seven and 16, while West Indies scored 85 during the same period, losing only Claxton, who was bowled by Beloved Biza. Taylor's historic milestone and match-winning contribution capped a dominant series for West Indies, who completed a comprehensive T20I sweep over Zimbabwe

South Australia opener Jake Weatherald has been ruled out of the opening Sheffield Shield match against Victoria after suffering delayed concussion symptoms following a head-first collision with a boundary advertising hoarding at the Junction Oval. The incident occurred during the 24th over on the opening morning when Weatherald chased a cover drive from Victoria batter Ollie Peake towards the boundary. Attempting to save runs, the South Australian opener dived head-first but was unable to stop his momentum. Weatherald slid several metres beyond the boundary rope before hitting the back of his head against the base of a metal advertising hoarding positioned near the boundary. He was immediately helped to his feet by a teammate and initially showed no obvious signs of injury. Despite the collision, Weatherald continued to field for the remainder of the day. He also opened the batting when South Australia faced an eight-over spell late in the day after Victoria were dismissed for 244. However, his return with the bat lasted only six deliveries. Weatherald edged Victoria debutant Harry Hoekstra through to the wicketkeeper for a duck. On the morning of the second day, Weatherald was withdrawn from the match after reporting concussion symptoms that had developed overnight. South Australia have brought in former New South Wales wicketkeeper-batter Matthew Gilkes as Weatherald's concussion substitute. Gilkes, who recently joined South Australia, will be available to bat in the state's second innings. Weatherald will now undergo the required concussion monitoring process and must remain symptom-free before he can return to competitive cricket. His availability for South Australia's second-round Sheffield Shield clash against Queensland in Adelaide, beginning on October 19, remains uncertain. The setback comes at a difficult time for Weatherald, who is attempting to rebuild his career after being dropped from Australia's Test side in August. He managed only one half-century in 12 innings across his first six Tests. However, Weatherald had made an encouraging start to his domestic campaign, scoring an unbeaten-looking 92 in his only One-Day Cup appearance for South Australia before returning to the Sheffield Shield. South Australia will now hope their opener makes a full recovery before the next round of the competition.

Former New Zealand international cricketers Martin Guptill and Andre Adams have joined interim head coach Dean Brownlie’s support staff for the White Ferns’ upcoming three-match T20I series against Australia. New Zealand Cricket confirmed on Thursday that Guptill will take on the role of specialist batting and fielding support, replacing Craig McMillan, who is currently recovering from back surgery. Guptill, one of New Zealand’s most-capped men’s cricketers with 367 international appearances between 2009 and 2022, said he was excited about working with the women’s team and contributing to the development of the players. “I’m really excited to be joining the White Ferns and looking forward to working with such a talented group of players,” Guptill said. “The White Ferns have achieved a huge amount in recent years and there’s a lot of exciting talent coming through. If I can help add a few extra tools to the players’ games and support their growth, then that’s something I’ll be really proud of.” Adams, meanwhile, will serve as an assistant to Brownlie. The former New Zealand allrounder, who played 47 internationals between 2001 and 2007, returns to the White Ferns setup after previous involvement with the team in 2017 and 2023. Adams, who is currently an assistant coach with the Otago Volts, recently worked with Birmingham Phoenix in the women’s Hundred. “It’s great to be back involved with the White Ferns,” Adams said. “Having worked with the team before I know what a special environment it is and how much pride the players and staff take in representing New Zealand.” Brownlie was appointed interim head coach after Ben Sawyer stepped down in September following a review of New Zealand Cricket’s women’s high-performance structure. His appointment currently covers only the upcoming three-match T20I series in Australia. The White Ferns will depart for Australia on October 12. Before the T20I series, they are scheduled to face a Governor-General’s XI in a warm-up match on October 25. The three T20Is against Australia will be played at North Sydney Oval on October 18, 20 and 22. New Zealand T20I Squad for Australia Tour Melie Kerr (captain) Eden Carson Flora Devonshire Maddy Green Brooke Halliday Bree Illing Polly Inglis (wicketkeeper) Bella James Jess Kerr Rosemary Mair Nensi Patel Molly Penfold Georgia Plimmer Hannah Rowe Izzy Sharp

Nathan McSweeney’s productive stint in English county cricket continued to pay dividends as the Australia A batter produced a match-winning century against India A in the opening one-dayer in Puducherry. Australia A were struggling at 104 for 5 on a lively, bouncy surface, with the heat and India A’s bowling attack putting the visitors under pressure. McSweeney, however, remained composed and guided his side out of trouble alongside captain Will Sutherland. The pair added 141 runs for the sixth wicket, helping Australia A post 274. McSweeney contributed 123 of those runs, his second century in List A cricket, as Australia A went on to secure a comfortable victory after restricting India A. The innings was particularly impressive given that it was McSweeney’s first official one-day innings in India. He adapted quickly to the challenging conditions, managing his energy carefully in the oppressive heat while using sweeps and calculated footwork to counter India A’s spinners. “I think playing a lot of cricket in England definitely helps your batting,” McSweeney said after the game. “You learn on the run, you're never too far away from your next hit.” His time with Northamptonshire earlier this year proved especially valuable. McSweeney scored 485 runs in eight innings in the One-Day Cup at an average of just under 70 and a strike rate of 95.7, making it his most productive one-day season. Although he did not score a century for Northamptonshire, the experience helped him develop a stronger understanding of how to pace an innings. “I feel like my game-management is definitely better,” McSweeney said. “I didn't quite get a hundred playing for Northants, so it was nice to get a big score here and really put us in a good position to have a chance of winning the game.” Against India A, McSweeney and Sutherland adopted contrasting but complementary approaches. Sutherland used his height and reach to disrupt the spinners’ lengths, while McSweeney frequently swept and advanced down the pitch to put pressure on Anukul Roy, Nishant Sindhu and Vipraj Nigam. “Their spinners are obviously world-class in India. As an Australian coming over, that's a huge challenge,” McSweeney said. “So, just trying to use my feet, sit a little bit deeper. Batting with Will, he's a lot taller than me, so we complement each other really well.” McSweeney eventually fell for 123 in the 48th over, visibly exhausted after a long stay at the crease. But his contribution did not end there. He later returned with the ball and dismissed India A allrounder Nishant Sindhu with his offspin, helping Australia A tighten their grip on the match. Bowling has become an increasingly important part of McSweeney’s game, particularly during his time in England, where he also bowled regularly in the One-Day Cup. “Bowling has always been a part of my game,” he said. “I haven't been able to impact a lot throughout my career, but it's something I work hard at and I bowl at the nets as much as I can.” McSweeney added that bowling spin in Indian conditions provides an opportunity to develop that aspect of his game further. “Bowling over in India is a lot better than bowling back home in Australia, so I'm enjoying my opportunities with the ball.” After missing out on Australia’s Test squad and failing to convert several starts during the preceding four-day series against India A, McSweeney’s dominant all-round performance has provided a timely reminder of his ability to adapt and contribute in different conditions. His successful transition from England’s county circuit to the demanding conditions of India could prove another important step in the development of a batter still looking to establish himself at the international level.

Punjab Kings (PBKS) have parted ways with fast-bowling coach James Hopes and fielding coach Brad Haddin, with both former Australia internationals moving on to new coaching assignments in Australian domestic cricket. The departures were expected after Hopes was appointed head coach of Queensland and Brisbane Heat, while Haddin recently took charge of New South Wales as head coach. The changes leave PBKS head coach Ricky Ponting with key vacancies to address within his support staff ahead of the next IPL season. The franchise has also lost spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule, who served in the role during IPL 2026 before joining the coaching setup of the India men's team. Hopes spent two seasons with Punjab Kings and had previously worked alongside Ponting at Delhi Capitals. The former Australia allrounder has developed considerable coaching experience in domestic and franchise cricket and will now return to a prominent role in Australian cricket with Queensland and Brisbane Heat. Haddin's association with PBKS was even longer. The former Australia wicketkeeper had been part of the franchise's coaching staff since 2022, initially joining during Trevor Bayliss' tenure as head coach. His departure marks another significant change to the PBKS support structure as Ponting prepares to reshape his coaching team. Both Hopes and Haddin are currently involved in Australia's Sheffield Shield competition. Queensland are taking on Western Australia in Perth, while New South Wales are facing Tasmania in Sydney. With three members of the coaching staff now moving on, PBKS will have to make several key appointments as they begin preparations for the upcoming IPL campaign.

Australia stand-in captain Tahlia McGrath is heading into the three-match ODI series against Bangladesh with renewed confidence after returning to form, although she remains uncertain about where she will bat. The series begins in Brisbane on Friday, with McGrath taking charge of the Australian side in the absence of Sophie Molineux, who is recovering from a hip injury. Molineux, the joint vice-captain alongside Ash Gardner, was part of Australia's successful T20 World Cup campaign despite carrying drinks throughout the tournament. McGrath returns to international cricket after making a statement in the opening round of the Women's National Cricket League. Representing South Australia against Victoria on September 29, the allrounder smashed 154 off 137 deliveries. The century came as a major relief for McGrath after a period in which she felt she had not made a significant contribution to her teams. “It was a relief to score runs because I haven't really contributed to teams I've been playing with for a while,” McGrath told reporters at Allan Border Field on Thursday. “Nice to know I can still play cricket, and hopefully a really good confidence boost for me.” The 29-year-old said she made several minor technical adjustments during the off-season, while also working on her mindset in an effort to rediscover her confidence. “For me, it was stripping it right back to basics, what am I good at, homing in on that and just getting a bit of confidence,” McGrath said. “That knock for South Australia has done me a world of good and I'm feeling in a really good place at the moment.” Despite her impressive domestic century, McGrath does not expect to move significantly higher in Australia's batting order. With Georgia Voll, Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney and Gardner among the team's batting options, the stand-in captain believes the top order is already well established. “That top order's pretty set,” McGrath said. “As a guess, I'd probably slot in around seven or eight, but I've got absolutely no idea what the batting order is going to look like.” McGrath also highlighted the depth of Australia's batting resources, saying the team is fortunate to have so much experience and expertise throughout the lineup. Meanwhile, Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana is confident her side can put up a stronger challenge under new head coach David Hemp. Australia remain overwhelming favourites, having won all five of their previous ODI meetings with Bangladesh. However, Sultana believes her team can compete by playing with confidence and producing its best cricket. “They [Australia] are the best side, we all know that,” Sultana said. “We have to be very positive... and we will definitely play our A-game against them.” Neither Australia nor Bangladesh has played an ODI series since April, adding an element of uncertainty ahead of the three-match contest. The series will provide McGrath with her first opportunity to lead Australia in the ODI format and a chance to build on her impressive return to form while helping the team maintain its dominance against Bangladesh.