Name: Football transfer: Chelsea sign Benfica’s Enzo Fernández for British record £106.8m fee
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Description: Chelsea reached an agreement with Benfica about two hours before the window

"Yesterday in commentary I used a word that can be interpreted in a number of different ways," Guha, who is of South Asian heritage, said on Fox Cricket.

Isa Guha Apologises for 'Primate' Comment on Jasprit Bumrah During Test Match Commentary

"Yesterday in commentary I used a word that can be interpreted in a number of different ways," Guha, who is of South Asian heritage, said on Fox Cricket.

Broadcaster and former England player Isa Guha apologised on air Monday for calling star India bowler Jasprit Bumrah a "primate" in commentary during the ongoing third Test against Australia.
"He's the MVP, isn't he? Most valuable primate," she said on Sunday while commentating for Fox during the second day's play at the Gabba in Brisbane.
Guha, part of England's squad that won the Women's World Cup and the World T20 in 2009, addressed the controversy on Monday.
"Yesterday in commentary I used a word that can be interpreted in a number of different ways," Guha, who is of South Asian heritage, said on Fox Cricket.
"Firstly I'd like to apologise for any offence caused.
"I set myself really high standards when it comes to empathy and respect for others.
"And if you listen to the full transcript, I only meant the highest praise for one of India's greatest players and someone I admire greatly as well."
Pace spearhead Bumrah has been India's outstanding player so far in the series, which is locked at 1-1.
Apologising again, Guha added: "I am trying to frame the enormity of his achievements and I've chosen the wrong word, and for that, I am deeply sorry."
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Editorji News Desk and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Guardiola's tenure at Manchester City has been defined by incredible success, with 15 major trophies, including the Champions League, making him one of football's most decorated managers. 

"I'm Not Good Enough" – Pep Guardiola Admits Struggles Amid City’s Toughest Season

Guardiola's tenure at Manchester City has been defined by incredible success, with 15 major trophies, including the Champions League, making him one of football's most decorated managers.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is enduring one of the most challenging seasons of his career, with his team's recent struggles highlighted by a shocking 2-1 home defeat to arch-rivals Manchester United on Sunday. Despite leading the Premier League for the past four seasons and boasting a stellar record of trophies, City&rsquo;s current form has been far from their usual high standards.
The reigning champions have lost eight of their last 11 games across all competitions, a slump that has left them fifth in the Premier League, trailing leaders Liverpool by nine points. Addressing the disappointing performances, Guardiola took full responsibility, candidly admitting, "I'm the boss, I'm the manager, and I'm not good enough. It's as simple as that. I'm not doing well. That is the truth."
Guardiola's tenure at Manchester City has been defined by incredible success, with 15 major trophies, including the Champions League, making him one of football's most decorated managers. Over his illustrious career, spanning stints at Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and City, Guardiola has secured 33 major titles. However, this season's struggles represent an unprecedented challenge.
Sunday's loss against Manchester United saw City concede late goals to Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo, sparking boos from disheartened fans at the Etihad Stadium. Guardiola, who recently signed a two-year contract extension, acknowledged the uphill battle, saying, "I knew it would be a tough season from the beginning. I said it many times, even when we were winning, but I didn't expect it to be this hard."
The disappointing run has raised questions about City&rsquo;s ability to maintain their dominance. While Guardiola remains committed to turning things around, the team&rsquo;s inconsistency has cast a shadow over their title defence and underscored the magnitude of the challenges ahead.

City has won just one of its last 10 matches in all competitions, with goals by Dušan Vlahovic and Weston McKennie inflicting the latest defeat and igniting Juventus’ qualification hopes.

Man City Struggles in Champions League, Defeated 2-0 by Juventus, Dropping to 22nd Place

City has won just one of its last 10 matches in all competitions, with goals by Du&scaron;an Vlahovic and Weston McKennie inflicting the latest defeat and igniting Juventus&rsquo; qualification hopes.

Manchester City plunged deeper into trouble in the Champions League by losing 2-0 at Juventus, the latest setback in a scarcely believable run of poor results for the ailing English champions.
City dropped to 22nd place in the 36-team standings, with only the top 24 advancing.
Progressing to the next round of the new-look format looked a certainty before the season for a team that was European champion in 2023 and has won the last four Premier League titles. But not anymore as City manager Pep Guardiola battles injuries and an apparent loss of belief among his players.
City has won just one of its last 10 matches in all competitions, with goals by Du&scaron;an Vlahovic and Weston McKennie inflicting the latest defeat and igniting Juventus&rsquo; qualification hopes.
City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan described the team&rsquo;s problem as a &ldquo;mental issue.&rdquo;
Opponents &ldquo;are able to break our rhythm with the smallest of things,&rdquo; Gundogan said on Wednesday.
&ldquo;They don&rsquo;t even need to do much and it has such a big effect on us right now.&rdquo;
Barcelona jumped into second place in the league standings, behind Liverpool, and is guaranteed to advance after a 3-2 win at Borussia Dortmund. Raphinha and Ferran Torres, with two goals, scored for Barca.
Arsenal beat Monaco 3-0 mainly thanks to two goals by Bukayo Saka to move into third place and be the highest of six teams on 13 points.
The top eight qualify directly for the last 16 and the teams placed No. 9-24 go into a two-legged playoff.
Danger for City
City has two games to save its faltering Champions League campaign and the first is against Paris Saint-Germain, another giant in trouble in 25th place &mdash; one spot out of the qualifying positions.
Vlahovic put Juventus ahead in the 53rd when he powered a header goalward straight at City goalkeeper Ederson, who could only parry the ball over his own line. Two American substitutes sealed the win for Juve, with McKennie volleying home from Timothy Weah&rsquo;s cross.
Juventus moved into 14th place.
Super-sub Torres
Ferran Torres came off the bench to inspire Barcelona to a fifth win in six games and push Dortmund, last season&rsquo;s runner-up, out of the top eight.
Torres came on in the 71st to replace Robert Lewandowski, who had a quiet game against his former club. Just four minutes later, Torres scored a goal on the rebound from Dani Olmo&rsquo;s shot.
Serhou Guirassy&rsquo;s second goal of the game leveled the score at 2-2 but Torres scored again in the 85th off Lamine Yamal&rsquo;s pass on the counter.
Raphinha gave Barcelona the lead before Guirassy equalised from the penalty spot. Raphinha and Guirassy are tied for second place in the scoring chart on six goals, behind Lewandowski&rsquo;s competition-high seven.
Home comforts for Arsenal
Arsenal secured a third straight home win without conceding in the league stage, with Saka scoring in the 34th and 78th minutes and sending in a shot that was turned into the net by substitute Kai Havertz in the 88th.
Arsenal is ahead of Bayer Leverkusen, Aston Villa, Inter Milan, Brest and Lille on goal difference. Lille won 3-2 at home to Sturm Graz on Wednesday.
In-form Alvarez
Man City could sure do with Julian Alvarez at the moment.
With a brilliant curling finish to open the scoring, the Argentina striker helped Atletico Madrid beat Slovan Bratislava 3-1 and provide a timely reminder of what City is missing after selling him for more than USD 100 million in August. Alvarez has 12 goals for the season, with four coming in the Champions League.
Antoine Griezmann scored Atletico&rsquo;s other two goals at Metropolitano stadium as the Spanish team climbed to 11th place after a 10th straight win in all competitions.
Tribute to grieving teammate
When Lukasz Lakomy gave Young Boys the lead against Stuttgart, he ran toward the sideline and held up teammate Meschack Elia&rsquo;s jersey as others gathered around him.
The gesture was a tribute after Elia&rsquo;s son died unexpectedly this week after a short illness. Elia wasn&rsquo;t playing as he was on his way to his native Congo, where his son died, to be with his family.
Both teams wore black armbands and there was a moment of silence before the game, which was won 5-1 by Stuttgart.
Late winner
Tammy Abraham scored an 87th-minute winner as AC Milan beat Red Star Belgrade 2-1 to move one point off the top eight. Milan lost Alvaro Morata and Ruben Loftus-Cheek to muscle injuries in the first half.
Benfica&rsquo;s five-match winning streak ended with a 0-0 home draw against Bologna, and Feyenoord had a 4-2 win over Sparta Prague.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Editorji News Desk and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Indian chess prodigy Gukesh Dommaraju, 18, claimed the World Chess Champion title, defeating Ding Liren. With this win, he becomes the youngest champion, garnering high praise from Magnus Carlsen, who has stepped back from competitive chess.

D Gukesh Wins Chess Championship

As the chess world celebrates Gukesh&rsquo;s achievement, Carlsen&rsquo;s absence from the championship arena serves as a reminder of the changing guard in the world of chess.

World number one Magnus Carlsen has lauded D Gukesh for making the most of his chances to be crowned the youngest ever world chess champion but has ruled out the possibility of a title showdown with him as desired by the Indian teen.
The 18-year-old defeated defending champion Ding Liren in the 14th and final round of the match on Thursday to become only the second Indian after Viswanathan Anand to claim the coveted trophy.
"It's an incredible achievement (by Gukesh), first he was down in the FIDE circuit, won the tournament in Chennai on demand, then he had an amazing performance in the Candidates tournament," said Carlsen on a popular recap stream, analysing the match.
Carlsen said he was a bit surprised by how the match unfolded with most of the games ending in draw.
"This was something that was bit unexpected, a lot of us thought that Gukesh was a favourite to win the match but this was a game that never really took off, Gukesh was doing a great job of keeping the position alive and suddenly it was all over," Carlsen said.
"It's a really good thing for him, he has the title now for two years, winning this championship is extremely motivating so there is a very good chance that he is going to go for a great run of results now and probably become the number two player now and may be number one in the not so distant future," he noted.
In the post-event press conference, Gukesh stated that he would love to fight it out against Carlsen at some point. The Norwegian maverick decided not to defend his title in 2023 after winning the world championship in 2013.
"Winning World Chess Championship does not mean I am the best player, obviously that is Magnus Carlsen. I want to reach the level Magnus has achieved," Gukesh said.
"Obviously playing against Magnus in the world championship would be amazing, it would be the toughest challenge there is in chess. It is up to Magnus, but I would love to test myself against the best player in the world."
But Carlsen ruled that out.
"I am not part of this circus anymore," said Carlsen in a general reference to world title clashes.
Carlsen also praised Gukesh's team and said they did a good job.
"It is becoming progressively harder (to play mainstream openings) all main lines are analysed so they had to jump a bit," Carlsen said of the opening choices made by Gukesh.
"I have generally kept it fairly risk-free with the white pieces, I have tried not to let things go out of control," he added.
The world's best player for a decade now was critical of Liren's choices in the final game.
"There are lot of things that Ding could have done differently, Gukesh really made most of his chances," he said.
"It's a massive moment for India, it&rsquo;s a combination of work that is being done there. This is not over.
"There are many more success stories to come, it was really heartwarming to see what it means to Gukesh, it was a very beautiful moment," Carlsen summed it up.

A chastened India head to Brisbane beset by worries over the form of captain Rohit Sharma and the fitness of strike bowler Jasprit Bumrah, while resurgent Australia look to keep the momentum in the third test starting on Saturday.

BGT 2024-25: India Vs Australia 3rd Test - Match Preview

With the series locked at 1-1, Brisbane could well decide the course of the rubber and whether Rohit's men would continue to be the master of their fate in the ongoing World Test Championship.

Rohit Sharma's elegance and Virat Kohli's class will face the ultimate 'Test' when India take on an Australian team eager to set the record straight on a spicy Gabba track in the third game of the Border-Gavaskar series, starting Saturday.
With the series locked at 1-1, Brisbane could well decide the course of the rubber and whether Rohit's men would continue to be the master of their fate in the ongoing World Test Championship.
For India, the biggest hope remains in Australia's batting vulnerability which can lead to an implosion if a certain Travis Head doesn't decide to be the marauder.
Steve Smith is currently sailing in the same boat as Kohli if inconsistent batting form is taken into consideration.
In bowling, India has Jasprit Bumrah, who has made every other bowler in the series look pedestrian in his comparison.
He definitely needs more support at the other end but more than that, he needs runs from the likes of Rohit and Kohli as a psychological cushion while breezing in to unleash his thunderbolts.
&nbsp;
Rohit, Kohli and the constant chatter
The decibel levels of "outside noise" about the duo's waning form have been rising for a while but the two contemporary megastars will be determined to lead the way on a ground where an Indian team showed resilience like never before back in 2021.
The numbers have been unflattering for the duo and they would be the first ones to admit that stats always don't lie.
Both Rohit and Kohli would still be a handful if they are asked to manage one of the two factors -- bounce or seam movement. The hosts served them a double whammy -- bounce with liberal sprinkling of grass for some extra seam movement.
They have the skills but the form, at least for the time being, has deserted the duo.
India's biggest issue has been terrible first innings batting during the past one year in both home and away fixtures with six totals of 150 or less during the period .
And Rohit and Kohli's first innings average in the 2024-25 season reads a rather poor 6.88 and 10 respectively.
Kohli has managed to get rid of some pressure with a hundred on the eased-up Perth track. But for Rohit, a captain's knock is needed not just to boost his confidence but also help him assert as a leader who shows the way.
Rohit is experienced enough to know that he can't always hit his way out of trouble against world-class operators like Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, who is once again fit to play with Scott Boland making way for him.
Rohit has been a white ball colossus all his life but if he can lead the way at Gabba, he will forever be considered cricketing royalty. But for that, he first needs to decide his batting position.
He isn't trusting his defence enough and looks like a walking wicket if the ball darts around like it promises to at the Gabba.
Is he good to open or better off at No. 6 where if the top order plays a steady game, he can attack the old Kookaburra that hardly does anything?
Only the skipper can answer that question.
&nbsp;
Is there space for Jadeja?
Senior off-spinner R Ashwin and Washington Sundar were steady without being exceptional in the first two Tests but Ravindra Jadeja is a safer option if India realistically want to add batting depth considering his good record in overseas conditions.
As far as pace bowling is concerned, Akash Deep is blessed with more skills but skipper Rohit loved rookie Harshit Rana's big heart.
&nbsp;
How Australia are stacked up
In case of Australia, their batting is no less fragile than that of India's.
Head has had a Rishabh Pant-like effect on his days, which often come against India.
But Steve Smith's form is a worry as the Indians have been bowling straight lines to him. Marnus Labuschagne laboured his way to a half-century in Adelaide but he still doesn't look his old prolific self.
Nathan McSweeney has showed grit during the first innings in Adelaide even though there is a long way to go before he becomes a surety in the side.
But one aspect that Australia has done well to figure out is India's reliance on Jasprit Bumrah's first spell with new Kookaburra. The home side knows that if it manages to play that out without too much damage, it can put pressure on other bowlers, who aren't half as good as the Gujarat slinger.
Teams:
Australia (Playing XI): Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins, Mitch Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.
India squad: Rohit Sharma (c), Jasprit Bumrah (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Devdutt Padikkal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar. Reserves: Mukesh Kumar, Navdeep Saini, Khaleel Ahmed, Yash Dayal.

Australian captain Pat Cummins on Friday announced that pacer Josh Hazlewood will replace Scott Boland in his playing XI for the third Test against India

Australian Team Prepares for Gabba Test Challenges

Cummins said he had to take the ball away from Hazlewood at Perth to prevent his injury getting worse.

Australian captain Pat Cummins on Friday announced that pacer Josh Hazlewood will replace Scott Boland in his playing XI for the third Test against India after having recovered from a side strain.
The injury had forced Hazlewood to sit out of the Pink Ball Test in Adelaide last week. Cummins exuded confidence that Hazlewood would pull through the match without any "hiccups".
"He had a really good bowl yesterday, he had another bowl in Adelaide a couple of days previously. Him and the medical team are really confident," he said on the eve of the game at the Gabba.
Cummins said he had to take the ball away from Hazlewood at Perth to prevent his injury getting worse.
"We've seen it a few times where Josh has pushed through to get through a Test match and a little bit of soreness turns into a month or two of injury.
"So, we made the call then that it probably wasn't worth the risk of keeping him bowling. I think he bowled an extra two overs leading into tea break and he said it felt ok, but I just kind of thought from there, 'that's enough'," said Cummins.
The Australian captain was sympathetic for Boland after the veteran pacer made a stirring return to Test cricket at Adelaide after last year's Ashes.
Boland had a match-haul of five wickets that included the prized scalp of star India batter Virat Kohli in the second innings.
"It's tough. He was fantastic in Adelaide. Unfortunately, he's spent quite a bit of time on the bench over the last 18 months and whenever he plays he's fantastic.
"It's a shame for Scotty, but still a fair bit to play out this series. I'd be surprised if he didn't play again in this series," said the New South Wales player.
&nbsp;
Green is fading at Gabba
The green tinge on the Brisbane deck was significantly reduced on the match eve.
Once a fortress of the Aussies, India had breached the 'Gabba' barrier during the 2020-21 series to end the hosts' winning run dating back to 1988.
After that the West Indies too beat Australia here, riding on the back of pacer Shamar Joseph's heroics.
"I looked at it yesterday &ndash; it looked like a good wicket, like it has been the last few years," said Cummins.
"A bit of sun baking it the last couple of days (means) I don't think it's as green and leafy as it was against South Africa," he said.
Cummins was referring to the Test against South Africa here in 2022 which ended inside two days.
The 31-year-old also did not read too much into that recent vulnerability of his side in Brisbane.
"It's just a venue really. We play at dozens and dozens of venues each year. It's always good coming back to a place that's familiar &hellip; but the scoreboard starts at 0-0, so the venue isn't the be-all and end-all," he added.

Controversy erupts as the Russian Chess Federation alleges Ding Liren's intentional loss in the World Chess Championship, sparking debates over match-fixing. FIDE urged to investigate as chess community grapples with integrity issues.

Ding Liren Accused Of Losing World Championship To Gukesh ‘Deliberately’

Filatov claimed that Ding's critical mistake, which shifted the game in Gukesh's favor, sparked confusion among chess experts and enthusiasts.

Russian Chess Federation President Andrei Filatov has alleged that China's Ding Liren deliberately lost the World Chess Championship final to India's D Gukesh.
The accusation emerged after Ukrainian chess coach Peter Heine Nielsen shared a screenshot of a report from the Russian news agency TASS. In the report, Filatov urged FIDE, the global chess governing body, to investigate the final match played between Ding and Gukesh in Singapore.
Filatov claimed that Ding's critical mistake, which shifted the game in Gukesh's favor, sparked confusion among chess experts and enthusiasts.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The President of the Chess Federation of Russia🇷🇺, FIDE honorary member Andrei Filatov, accuses Ding Liren🇨🇳 of losing on purpose, and asks <a href="https://twitter.com/FIDE_chess?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FIDE_chess</a> to start an investigation:<a href="https://twitter.com/FIDE_chess?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FIDE_chess</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/tassagency_en?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tassagency_en</a> <a href="https://t.co/mPpSjwj2xK">https://t.co/mPpSjwj2xK</a> <a href="https://t.co/SANqHdhVEI">pic.twitter.com/SANqHdhVEI</a>
&mdash; Peter Heine Nielsen (@PHChess) <a href="https://twitter.com/PHChess/status/1867218602396717324?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2024</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
"The outcome of the final game caused confusion among professionals and fans alike," Filatov reportedly stated. "The actions of the Chinese player in the decisive phase appear highly suspicious and warrant a separate investigation by FIDE. Losing from such a favorable position would be challenging even for a first-class player. Ding Liren's defeat raises serious questions and seems intentional," he added.
The allegations have stirred controversy within the chess community, with many awaiting FIDE's response to the claims. ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/sports-news/gutsy-gukesh-realises-childhood-dream-becomes-youngest-world-chess-champion-1734058113487" target="_blank">Gutsy Gukesh realises childhood dream; becomes youngest world chess champion</a>

Jason Gillespie's resignation as Pakistan's Test coach amidst tensions with PCB sees Aaqib Javed take over. The overhaul ahead of the South Africa series underscores a critical recalibration within the national coaching strategy.

Jason Gillespie resigns as Pakistan coach

Following Jason Gillespie's departure as Pakistan's Test coach due to conflicts with PCB, Aaqib Javed assumes the interim role. As Pakistan gears up for the South Africa series, Javed is tasked with guiding the team through these pivotal changes.

It may be recalled that Gary Kirsten, who joined as the white ball side&rsquo;s coach along with Gillespie, had resigned before Pakistan left for the series in Australia, Zimbabwe and South Africa.

Jason Gillespie stepped down from his role as Pakistan&rsquo;s Test team coach and former pacer Aaqib Javed has replaced the Australian for the upcoming two-match series against South Africa, PCB announced on Thursday.
Pakistan will play two Tests against the Proteas from December 26, and they are already in the Rainbow Nation for the white-ball leg of the tour.
Aaqib is currently the interim coach of Pakistan white ball outfits.
Gillespie, whose contract was set to expire in 2026, resigned after the Pakistan Cricket Board didn&rsquo;t review the contract of Tim Nielsen, who was brought in on the recommendation of the former Aussie quick, as the high performance coach of the team.
Gillespie was also peeved at the PCB&rsquo;s decision to absolve him of the powers of team selection and involvement in pitch preparation.
It may be recalled that Gary Kirsten, who joined as the white ball side&rsquo;s coach along with Gillespie, had resigned before Pakistan left for the series in Australia, Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Kirsten had resigned citing differences with the PCB on the matters of authority.
Both Gillespie and Kirsten were appointed on a two-year contract before the T20 World Cup 2024 and the PCB had promised a new era for the Pakistan team.
But once Aaqib was brought in as senior selector and PCB granted him full powers including in team selection, the foreign coaches started falling out with the board.

Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh on Thursday became the youngest world chess champion at 18 years after beating title-holder Ding Liren in the last game of a nerve-wracking showdown to herald a new era of dominance by the country's chess players.

D Gukesh Becomes Youngest World Chess Champion at 18

Indian chess players have been on a roll this year, winning the Olympiad gold in both the men's and women's events, for the first time among other achievements.

Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh on Thursday became the youngest world chess champion at 18 years after beating title-holder Ding Liren in the last game of a nerve-wracking showdown to herald a new era of dominance by the country's chess players.
Taking forward the incredible legacy of the great Viswanathan Anand, Gukesh became only the second Indian to clinch the coveted prize after the iconic player, who owned the crown five times in his career.
After settling into "semi-retirement", the 55-year-old Anand, incidentally, played a pivotal role in shaping Gukesh at his chess academy in Chennai.
Gukesh secured the requisite 7.5 points as against 6.5 of his Chinese rival after winning the 14th and last classical time control game of the match that seemed headed for a draw for most part. As winner, he will walk away with a whopping USD 1.3 million (approx Rs 11.03 crore) from the 2.5 million prize purse.
"I was dreaming this moment for the last 10 years. I am happy that I realised the dream (and made it) into reality," the soft-spoken Chennai-lad told reporters after the historic triumph here.
The triumph was expectedly hailed across India with Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailing it as "historic and exemplary".
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Historic and exemplary! Congratulations to Gukesh D on his remarkable accomplishment. This is the result of his unparalleled talent, hard work and unwavering determination. His triumph has not only etched his name in the annals of chess history but has also inspired millions&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/fOqqPZLQlr">https://t.co/fOqqPZLQlr</a> <a href="https://t.co/Xa1kPaiHdg">pic.twitter.com/Xa1kPaiHdg</a>
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1867204810308506097?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2024</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
"This is the result of his unparalleled talent, hard work and unwavering determination," Modi posted on X.
The reticent teenager grinned widely and raised his arms in celebration after the victory, a stark contrast from the poker face he usually sports while playing. Once the feeling settled in, a tear or two also escaped his eyes, showing a rare moment of vulnerability.
"I got a bit emotional because I was not expecting to win," he added.
Even on Thursday, when the analysts had proclaimed that the match, in all likelihood, would go into a tie-breaker, Gukesh's face hardly gave anything away as he gained the upper-hand.
It was a momentary lapse of concentration by Liren in what seemed a drawn endgame and as it happened, the entire chess world was left in a state of shock.
The players were just left with a rook and a bishop and Gukesh had two pawns against one trying to make a foray without much success.
However, the ability to keep pushing for more gave Gukesh a distinct advantage over the Chinese and the latter simply collapsed to give the title to Gukesh.
Before Gukesh's feat on Thursday, the legendary Garry Kasparov of Russia was the youngest world champion when he won the title at the age of 22, dethroning Anatoly Karpov in 1985.
Gukesh had entered the match as the youngest ever challenger to the world crown after winning the Candidates tournament earlier this year.
"Every chess player wants to live this dream. I am living my dream," said Gukesh.
Gukesh, who won the 14th game against Liren after 58 moves in four hours, is the 18th world chess champion overall.
If Thursday's game was also drawn, winner was to be decided in shorter duration tie-breaks on Friday.
Gukesh had won the third and 11th rounds before Thursday's decisive game, while the 32-year-old Liren emerged victorious in the opening and 12th games.
All other games were drawn in the match.
"I came here suddenly and I lost the first game itself. Luckily while going back I had Vishy Sir (Anand) in the lift and he said 'I had only 11 games left you have 13'," Gukesh recalled, while shining a light on the contribution of his mentor.
Anand was citing his 2006 first match over Veselin Topalov that he had eventually won after losing the first game.
Interestingly, Anand had won that match in the last Classical (12th) game, with black pieces. Anand lost the title to Norwegian maverick Magnus Carlsen back in 2013.
It was on the 55th move that the dye was cast.
Liren, leaving his sense of danger, went for a rook trade and Gukesh pawed him almost instantly. He knew that it was his title to lose and it took just three more moves before the Chinese called it a day.
Indian chess players have been on a roll this year, winning the Olympiad gold in both the men's and women's events, for the first time among other achievements.

The 2030 tournament will be the first World Cup played in six different countries, with Spain, Portugal and Morocco as the main hosts while South American nations Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay will each get one game. 

Ronaldo says 2030 World Cup will be "most special" yet after Portugal confirmed as co-host

The 2030 tournament will be the first World Cup played in six different countries, with Spain, Portugal and Morocco as the main hosts while South American nations Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay will each get one game.

Cristiano Ronaldo led the celebrations after Portugal and five other countries were officially announced as hosts of the 2030 men's World Cup, with the player saying the unique tournament will be the "most special" yet.
The 2030 tournament will be the first World Cup played in six different countries, with Spain, Portugal and Morocco as the main hosts while South American nations Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay will each get one game. The format will help FIFA mark the centenary of Uruguay hosting the first World Cup in 1930.
"A dream come true," the 39-year-old Ronaldo wrote in an Instagram post that had a photo of him celebrating while wearing Portugal's jersey and featured the words: "The Most Special World Cup ever."
Ronaldo is the only man to have scored at five World Cup tournaments, but he is unlikely to still be playing in 2030.
"Portugal will host the 2030 World Cup and make us proud," he wrote.
The approval of the six-nation bid was mostly a formality at FIFA's online meeting on Wednesday, with Saudi Arabia also officially confirmed as the 2034 World Cup host.
So reactions in Spain and Portugal were muted, but South American governing body CONMEBOL celebrated a day that its president Alejandro Dom&iacute;nguez said "will go down in the history of South American football."
"FIFA decided to honour history. The World Cup returns home," Dominguez said at the CONMEBOL headquarters in Paraguay.
"We are at home, on the continent that organized the first World Cup ever. The first World Cup was played in Uruguay, the first world champion nation and now we also have the last World Cup champion, Argentina.

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Chelsea reached an agreement with Benfica about two hours before the window

Football transfer: Chelsea sign Benfica’s Enzo Fernández for British record £106.8m fee

Chelsea broke their bank as the Blues signed Benfica's World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez at a British record fee of £106.8m.

Here are the details

Chelsea reached an agreement with Benfica about two hours before the window

Chelsea broke their bank as the Blues signed Benfica's World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez at a British record fee of &pound;106.8m.
Chelsea, who sold Jorginho to Arsenal for &pound;10m plus &pound;2m in add-ons earlier in the evening, reached an agreement with Benfica about two hours before the window.
The deal took Chelsea&rsquo;s spending to more than &pound;500m.
Also read: <a title="Confirmed! Bayern Munich sign defender Joao Cancelo from Manchester City" href="https://www.editorji.com/sports-news/football/confirmed-bayern-munich-sign-defender-joao-cancelo-from-manchester-city-1675168143367">Confirmed! Bayern Munich sign defender Joao Cancelo from Manchester City</a>

Luminaries from the world of cricket on Wednesday doffed their hats to "all-time great" Ravichandran Ashwin after he announced his international retirement, leaving the game a little poorer after enriching it through a glorious career.

Cricket world pays tribute to all-time great Ashwin after his retirement

During his long stint with the Indian team, Ashwin has kept on reinventing himself to keep pace with the evolving game, something that impressed the iconic Sachin Tendulkar.

Luminaries from the world of cricket on Wednesday doffed their hats to "all-time great" Ravichandran Ashwin after he announced his international retirement, leaving the game a little poorer after enriching it through a glorious career.
During his long stint with the Indian team, Ashwin has kept on reinventing himself to keep pace with the evolving game, something that impressed the iconic Sachin Tendulkar.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Ashwin, I&rsquo;ve always admired how you approached the game with your mind and heart in perfect sync. From perfecting the carrom ball to contributing crucial runs, you always found a way to win. Watching you grow from a promising talent to one of India&rsquo;s finest match-winners has been&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/XawHfacaUh">pic.twitter.com/XawHfacaUh</a>
&mdash; Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) <a href="https://twitter.com/sachin_rt/status/1869324169445568713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"From perfecting the carrom ball to contributing crucial runs, you always found a way to win. Your journey shows that true greatness lies in never being afraid to experiment and evolve. Your legacy will inspire one and all," Tendulkar wrote on 'X'.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I&rsquo;ve played with you for 14 years and when you told me today you&rsquo;re retiring, it made me a bit emotional and the flashbacks of all those years playing together came to me. I&rsquo;ve enjoyed every bit of the journey with you ash, your skill and match winning contributions to Indian&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/QGQ2Z7pAgc">pic.twitter.com/QGQ2Z7pAgc</a>
&mdash; Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli/status/1869269640154923429?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Ashwin's longtime India teammate Virat Kohli penned an emotional tribute and recalled their "14 years of camaraderie", current coach Gautam Gambhir hailed his influence on future generations, and Ajinkya Rahane reminisced how his every ball felt like a wicket-taking delivery.
"I've played with you for 14 years and when you told me today you're retiring, it made me a bit emotional and the flashbacks of all those years playing together came to me," Kohli posted in X.
Ashwin, 38, announced his decision during the press meet in Gabba that happened after the third Test between India and Australia ended in a draw.
Earlier in the day, Kohli was seen embracing the off-spinner following a lengthy conversation in the dressing room as Ashwin wiped his eyes, sparking speculations on his retirement.
"I've enjoyed every bit of the journey with you ash, your skill and match winning contributions to Indian cricket are second to none and you will always and always be remembered as a legend of Indian cricket," Kohli added.
With 765 international scalps in his bag, Ashwin is the second-highest wicket-taker from India after Anil Kumble.
Ashwin has taken 537 wickets at an average of 24 in 106 Test matches. He is also seventh on the overall list of wicket-takers.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The privilege of seeing you grow from a young bowler to a legend of modern cricket is something that I wouldn&rsquo;t trade for the world! I know that generations of bowlers to come will say that I became a bowler coz of Ashwin! U will be missed brother! ❤️ <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a> <a href="https://t.co/fuATAjE8aw">pic.twitter.com/fuATAjE8aw</a>
&mdash; Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) <a href="https://twitter.com/GautamGambhir/status/1869267174206173369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"The privilege of seeing you grow from a young bowler to a legend of modern cricket is something that I wouldn't trade for the world! I know that generations of bowlers to come will say that I became a bowler coz of Ashwin! U will be missed brother," Gambhir said.
Former India coach Ravi Shastri hailed Ashwin's craft and contribution to Indian cricket.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Hey Ash, congratulations on a magnificent career, old boy. You were an invaluable asset during my tenure as coach and enriched the game immensely with your skill and craft. God bless. <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BCCI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ICC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ashwin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ashwin</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvsIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvsIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZLelKjmEdu">pic.twitter.com/ZLelKjmEdu</a>
&mdash; Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) <a href="https://twitter.com/RaviShastriOfc/status/1869281777778663608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"Hey Ash, congratulations on a magnificent career, old boy. You were an invaluable asset during my tenure as coach and enriched the game immensely with your skill and craft. God bless," wrote Shastri who is now doing commentary in the five-match series."
India's highest wicket-taker Anil Kumble lauded Ashwin on his illustrious career.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
.<a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a>, your journey has been nothing short of extraordinary! With over 700 international wickets and a keen cricketing mind, you are one of the finest to have graced the field. Congratulations on a stellar career, and here's to an even brighter future off the field! 👏🏽🇮🇳 <a href="https://t.co/60lbNnyPi8">pic.twitter.com/60lbNnyPi8</a>
&mdash; Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) <a href="https://twitter.com/anilkumble1074/status/1869284019424391178?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"Your journey has been nothing short of extraordinary! With over 700 international wickets and a keen cricketing mind, you are one of the finest to have graced the field. Congratulations on a stellar career, and here's to an even brighter future off the field!" wrote Kumble.
Rahane, who often stood at slip to Ashwin, recalled his sharpness as a bowler who kept the batters guessing with his clever variations.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Congratulations on an incredible journey, <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a>! Standing at slip was never a dull moment with you bowling, every ball felt like a chance waiting to happen. All the best for your next chapter! <a href="https://t.co/HhBUHVPu3v">pic.twitter.com/HhBUHVPu3v</a>
&mdash; Ajinkya Rahane (@ajinkyarahane88) <a href="https://twitter.com/ajinkyarahane88/status/1869271082634809566?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"Standing at slip was never a dull moment with you bowling, every ball felt like a chance waiting to happen. All the best for your next chapter!" said Rahane.
Virender Sehwag, the swashbuckling opener of his times, called Ashwin a genuine match-winner.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Congratulations <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a> on a magnificent career. You were a genuine match winner and to finish as the second highest wicket taker for us in Test cricket is a monumental achievement. Best wishes for the second innings. <a href="https://t.co/N3cils9kDY">pic.twitter.com/N3cils9kDY</a>
&mdash; Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) <a href="https://twitter.com/virendersehwag/status/1869327678630977894?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"Congratulations @ashwinravi99 on a magnificent career. You were a genuine match winner and to finish as the second highest wicket taker for us in Test cricket is a monumental achievement," Sehwag wrote on 'X'.
Seasoned batter Cheteshwar Pujara, with whom Ashwin played a lot of cricket for India, said his decision brought "a lump in the throat".
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Many congratulations on a career you can be very proud of Ash! Your dedication and contribution to Indian cricket, consistently over a long period of time, will be etched in history, as one of the best to have represented the country! Over the years, we have shared countless&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/bjnjFD4s54">pic.twitter.com/bjnjFD4s54</a>
&mdash; Cheteshwar Pujara (@cheteshwar1) <a href="https://twitter.com/cheteshwar1/status/1869303656774050066?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"Your dedication and contribution to Indian cricket, consistently over a long period of time, will be etched in history, as one of the best to have represented the country!
"Over the years, we have shared countless memories on and off the field; and your decision today suddenly brings a lump in the throat..." Pujara tweeted.
Harbhajan Singh, who is the fourth highest wicket-taker for India in Tests, praised Ashwin's consistency.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Congratulations <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a> on a phenomenal cricket career. Your ambition as a test cricketer was admirable. Well done for being the flag bearer of Indian spin for more than a decade. Be very proud of your achievements and hopefully see you more often now.
&mdash; Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) <a href="https://twitter.com/harbhajan_singh/status/1869267813887873103?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"Your ambition as a test cricketer was admirable. Well done for being the flag bearer of Indian spin for more than a decade. Be very proud of your achievements and hopefully see you more often now," Harbhajan posted in X.
Yuvraj Singh also celebrated Ashwin's grit and adaptability.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Well played Ash and congratulations on a legendary journey! From spinning webs around the best in the world to standing tall in tough situations, you&rsquo;ve been a real asset to the team. Welcome to the other side! 🙌🏻 <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a>
&mdash; Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) <a href="https://twitter.com/YUVSTRONG12/status/1869274535729700873?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"Well played Ash and congratulations on a legendary journey! From spinning webs around the best in the world to standing tall in tough situations, you've been a real asset to the team. Welcome to the other side!" remarked Yuvraj.
Former wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik hailed Ashwin as a "GOAT" and the best cricketer from Tamil Nadu.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
a GOAT retires Well done on what's been an outstanding career . Proud to have played with you and definitely the greatest ever to have played from TAMILNADU. <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a> Much love and enjoy some leisurely time with family and friends ❤️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ashwin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ashwin</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/legend?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#legend</a>
&mdash; DK (@DineshKarthik) <a href="https://twitter.com/DineshKarthik/status/1869265221170479615?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"A GOAT retires. Well done on what's been an outstanding career . Proud to have played with you and definitely the greatest ever to have played from TAMILNADU. Much love and enjoy some leisurely time with family and friends."
Former India batters Suresh Raina and Mohammad Kaif also joined the chorus in hailing Ashwin's legacy, one of the sharpest cricket minds.
The international cricket community too reacted to Ashwin's decision from the game.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Only one on the list with 6 test 100s 👏👏 <a href="https://t.co/3wcaqTYYSC">https://t.co/3wcaqTYYSC</a>
&mdash; Herschelle Gibbs (@hershybru) <a href="https://twitter.com/hershybru/status/1869286287838269456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"Only one on the list with six Test 100s," wrote former South Africa batter Herschelle Gibbs.
Ashwin (537 wickets) finished fourth in the list of highest wicket-takers in Test cricket behind Muttiah Muralitharan (800), Shane Warne (708) and Anil Kumble (619).
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Thank you Ravi Ashwin. Glad you came, and that you were a part of the international game for so long, with such excellence. You taught, you educated and you entertained🙏🏽.
&mdash; Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) <a href="https://twitter.com/irbishi/status/1869277188559966466?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"Glad you came, and that you were a part of the international game for so long, with such excellence. You taught, you educated and you entertained," said former West Indies pacer Ian Bishop.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Thanks <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a> .. Have loved watching you play for India .. 👍
&mdash; Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelVaughan/status/1869264918308167886?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"Thanks Ashwin. Have loved watching you play for India," posted former England skipper Michael Vaughan.

Australia's man in form Travis Head played down concerns over his fitness after appearing to struggle with a potential groin issue during the rain-marred drawn third Test against India at the Gabba.

Travis Head confident of playing boxing day test

The 30-year-old, who has been in red-hot form with 409 runs at an average of 81.80 this series.

Australia's man in form Travis Head played down concerns over his fitness after appearing to struggle with a potential groin issue during the rain-marred drawn third Test against India at the Gabba in Brisbane on Wednesday.
Head said he expects to be "fine" for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.
The five-match series is tied 1-1 going into the Boxing Day Test after the drawn affair.
"Very pleased with the way I am batting at the moment. Just a little sore, but I should be fine (before the next game)," Head, who was adjudged the player of the match, said after the game.
The 30-year-old, who has been in red-hot form with 409 runs at an average of 81.80 this series, noticeably struggled to run between the wickets during his brief innings of 17 on day five.
At times, he was seen clutching his groin, raising concerns among the commentators.
Former pacer Brett Lee called the visuals "worrying signs", noting Head&rsquo;s limited movement, while Indian great Ravi Shastri also expressed concern, describing the potential injury as a "body blow" for Australia, given Head's big role in the batting lineup.
Head did not take the field during India's second innings, fuelling further speculation.
The left-hander further reflected on his approach this series, attributing his success to adapting well to challenging conditions and staying composed at the crease.
"Challenging wicket. I had to work through the gears. I had different plans, pleased I could get through those. Good partnership with (Steve) Smith," he said on their centuries, contributing to their 241-run massive stand.
"I just try to sum up the conditions well. What I've done well this series is assess the conditions. Pleased with the tempo I've batted with. Pretty relaxed communication.
"Felt like he was back in his rhythm, and he gives me full freedom and confidence knowing he's going to be there for a long while. I feel like I am playing the situation in front of me," he added.

Ashwin, with an impressive 537 Test wickets to his name, finishes his career as the seventh-highest wicket-taker in the history of Test cricket.

Top Test Cricket Wicket-Takers: Ashwin's Legacy and Muralitharan's Record

In a significant moment for cricket, India&rsquo;s ace off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin recently announced his retirement from all formats of the game.

Legendary Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan remains unmatched at the summit of Test cricket, holding an astounding record of 800 wickets. Known for his exceptional turn, pinpoint accuracy, and unparalleled consistency, Muralitharan's career is a testament to extraordinary skill, hard work, and relentless ambition. His legacy continues to inspire and intimidate even the finest bowlers in the modern game.
In a significant moment for cricket, India&rsquo;s ace off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin recently announced his retirement from all formats of the game. Ashwin, with an impressive 537 Test wickets to his name, finishes his career as the seventh-highest wicket-taker in the history of Test cricket. The announcement marked the end of an era, prompting fans and cricket experts to celebrate his incredible contributions to Indian cricket over the past decade.
Ashwin has been a linchpin of India's bowling unit, blending innovation and precision with his trademark carrom ball and tactical brilliance. His deep understanding of the game and ability to outthink batsmen made him a formidable force on the field, earning him immense respect globally.
With Muralitharan and Ashwin standing as giants of the game, the list of top 10 Test wicket-takers is a tribute to the legends whose artistry and skill have etched their names into cricketing history. <img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/67626d0193419_1734503681.png" width="768" height="443">

The third Test between India and Australia at the Gabba ended in a rain-affected draw. Both teams remain tied at 1-1 in the series. The weather played a major role, impacting game strategy and execution.

India vs Australia: Gabba Test Drawn Amid Rain

Rain interruptions led to a drawn third Test between India and Australia at the Gabba, leaving the series balanced at 1-1 as teams gear up for the Boxing Day Test.

Bad light and rain forced an early tea break soon after with India at 8 for no loss in 2.1 overs. The rain got heavier as the time passed and no play was possible thereafter.

India escaped with a crucial draw in the weather-hit third Test against Australia after intermittent rain wiped out majority of play on day five, leaving the five-match series tantalisingly locked at 1-1.
Resuming the day at 252 for nine, India batted for 24 balls and were all out for 260 in their first innings.
With limited time left in the day to force a result after majority of the morning session was rained out, the Australian batters came out all guns blazing and stuttered to 89 for seven in 18 overs before making a brave declaration, giving India at least 54 overs to chase down 275.
ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/sports-news/cricket/ravichandran-ashwin-retires-from-international-cricket-1734501459727" target="_blank">Ravichandran Ashwin announces retirement from international c</a><a href="https://www.editorji.com/sports-news/cricket/ravichandran-ashwin-retires-from-international-cricket-1734501459727" target="_blank">ricket</a>
Bad light and rain forced an early tea break soon after with India at 8 for no loss in 2.1 overs. The rain got heavier as the time passed and no play was possible thereafter.
The absorbing series is nicely poised going into the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.
India would have fancied chasing 275 on day five but weather helped them immensely in the game controlled by Australia.
Jasprit Bumrah (3/18) was brilliant as usual in the second innings with Mohammed Siraj (2/36) and Akash Deep (2/28) offering good support.
Australia's approach in the second essay was brave and questionable at the same time.
Nathan McSweeney (4) and Marnus Labuschagne (1) went after balls outside the off-stump and perished while Usman Khawaja (8) and Mitchell Marsh (2) fell to good deliveries.
Wickets falling in a heap did not impact Australia's approach as they kept going for the big hits. Skipper Cummins chipped in with two sixes and as many fours before the declaration.
In the morning session, lightening and subsequent rain allowed only 24 balls to be bowled.
The warning of severe weather was flashed on the digital scoreboard at the Gabba shortly after India were bowled out for 260 in their first innings, handing Australia a lead of 185 runs.
Akash Deep (31) was the last man out, stumped off a Travis Head delivery, bringing an end to a 47-run stand with Jasprit Bumrah (10 not out).
The duo had done well to avoid the follow-on on day four.
Players were asked to remain in the dressing room and fans were requested to take shelter away from the fence after the visitors were all out.
The forecast was largely clear for Brisbane from Thursday onwards but the entire game has been adversely impacted by bad weather with rain forcing multiple stoppages for four out of five days.
Only day two of the game was not impacted by weather as Australia coasted to 405 for seven on the back of memorable hundreds from Head and Steve Smith.
Going into the fourth Test beginning December 26, India have major concerns in both batting and bowling department which they must address.
Barring K L Rahul, who has been India's standout batter on the tour, the star-studded line up has not found a way to negotiate the threats posed by the Australian pace attack.
Skipper Rohit Sharma has been woefully short of runs and after the hundred in Perth, superstar Virat Kohli has struggled with ball outside the off-stump.
Majority of the batters have been guilty of playing away from their bodies in challenging conditions. They will need to curb their white-ball instincts to make an impact at MCG.
On the bowling front too, it has been effectively a one man show with Jasprit Bumrah doing the heavy lifting in all the games.
Mohammed Siraj bowled in the Brisbane Test with a niggle, leaving a question mark over his fitness ahead of the Melbourne game.
Akash Deep, who played ahead of Harshit Rana, bowled well in the game but did not have a lot of luck, especially against Smith. He is expected to retain his place the eleven.
India have picked three different spinners in the first three Test. It remains to be seen what strategy they adopt for the Boxing Day Test.

R Ashwin announces retirement from international cricket

Ashwin retires from international cricket

Senior India off-spinner R Ashwin announces retirement from international cricket with immediate effect.

Off-spinner R Ashwin announced his retirement from all formats of cricket on Wednesday, December 18.

India's premier off-spinner R Ashwin on Wednesday surprised the cricketing world by announcing his retirement with immediate effect in the middle of the Test series against Australia here.
Ashwin retires from the game as the second highest wicket-taker for India in Tests with 537 scalps in 106 games, leaving him only behind Anil Kumble (619 wickets). He will continue to play club cricket.
"I won't take too much of your time. Today will be the last day for me as an India cricketer," Ashwin said at the end of the drawn third Test here in a joint press conference with captain Rohit Sharma during which he declined to take any questions and left after making the announcement.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Ravichandran Ashwin announces his retirement from all forms of international cricket. Congratulations on a brilliant career 👏 <a href="https://t.co/UHWAFmMwC0">pic.twitter.com/UHWAFmMwC0</a>
&mdash; 7Cricket (@7Cricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/7Cricket/status/1869259899789578595?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Ashwin's announcement came after the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy ended in a draw.
The 38-year-old played the day-night Test in Adelaide and picked up one wicket.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
KOHLI 🙇 ASHWIN...!!!! - Two greats of Indian cricket hugging during Gabba Test. <a href="https://t.co/dPHL5PgBuV">pic.twitter.com/dPHL5PgBuV</a>
&mdash; Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) <a href="https://twitter.com/CricCrazyJohns/status/1869257794089787907?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"He was very, very sure of his decision. We should stand by what he wants," said Rohit after Ashwin left the stage.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝘼𝙨𝙝𝙬𝙞𝙣 🫡 A name synonymous with mastery, wizardry, brilliance, and innovation 👏👏 The ace spinner and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a>'s invaluable all-rounder announces his retirement from international cricket. Congratulations on a legendary career, <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a> ❤️ <a href="https://t.co/swSwcP3QXA">pic.twitter.com/swSwcP3QXA</a>
&mdash; BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1869258427987562621?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
 "A name synonymous with mastery, wizardry, brilliance, and innovation," said the BCCI in its tribute post on X. ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="2.	https:/www.editorji.com/sports-news/india-vs-australia-rain-plays-spoilsport-again-as-third-test-ends-in-a-draw-1734502828057" target="_blank">India vs Australia: Rain plays spoilsport again as third Test ends in a draw</a>

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