Sports Bulletin of December 7: From Jasprit Bumrah facing injury scare in Adelaide to Lionel Messi winning MLS MVP after amazing season

Add as a preferred source on Google

From Jasprit Bumrah facing an injury scare in Adelaide during IND vs AUS Pink Ball test to Lionel Messi winning MLS MVP after an amazing season, many things have unfolded in the sports world.

The battle between BCCI and PCB for hybrid models for future international events and FIFA Club World Cup are dominating the proceedings on a busy Saturday (December 7) in the World of Sports. Here are the ten unmissable stories of the day -

1. Bumrah faces injury scare in Adelaide Test

Jasprit Bumrah faced an injury scare during the second day of the Adelaide pink-ball Test against Australia after pulling up mid-over, prompting concerns about his abductor muscle. India's physio attended to him, but Bumrah resumed bowling without discomfort, finishing with three wickets. With Bumrah handling a heavy workload, former coach Ravi Shastri emphasized the need for Mohammed Shami, who is recovering from injury and playing in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

2. Mohammed Shami travelled with Bengal team for SMAT knockouts

Mohammed Shami continues his domestic cricket stint with Bengal in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) as he awaits fitness clearance from the BCCI. Despite strong performances, including eight wickets in seven matches after a year-long injury layoff, concerns about his Test match readiness persist. Shami has joined Bengal in Bengaluru for the SMAT knockouts, while uncertainty remains about his availability for the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.

3. Bangladesh U19 defeats Pakistan U19 to face India U19 in Asian Cup final

Bangladesh U19 secured a commanding seven-wicket win over Pakistan U19 in the ACC U19 Asia Cup semifinal, advancing to face India U19 in the final on December 8. Led by Iqbal Hossain Emon's 4/24, Bangladesh bowled out Pakistan for 116. Skipper Azizul Hakim's unbeaten 61 off 39 balls sealed the chase with 167 balls to spare, showcasing their dominance and setting up an exciting title clash.

4. Lionel Messi wins 79th Individual Award with MLS MVP

Lionel Messi secured his 79th individual award by winning the 2024 MLS Player of the Year, marking his first major honor outside Europe. Despite injuries, Messi's debut MLS season with Inter Miami was extraordinary, delivering 20 goals and 16 assists in 19 games. His contributions led Miami to their maiden Supporters' Shield title. This accolade highlights Messi's continued brilliance at 37 and his growing impact in the MLS.

5. Travis Head smashes third century in Pink Ball Test

Travis Head smashed his third pink-ball Test century on Day 2 of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy's second Test, scoring 111 off 111 balls. His explosive knock, featuring 14 fours and 3 sixes, stabilized Australia after early losses and extended their lead over India's 180. Head celebrated the century with a tribute to his newborn son, marking his eighth Test ton and reinforcing his dominance in day-night matches.

6. England leads by 533 runs against New Zealand after 2 days

England dominated the second day of the second Test against New Zealand, leading by 533 runs with five wickets in hand. Joe Root, unbeaten on 73, reached a milestone with his 100th Test score of 50 or more. With Ben Stokes at 35 not out, England is poised to declare, setting New Zealand an unprecedented fourth-innings chase. The Basin Reserve pitch remains favorable, promising an intense battle ahead.

7. England Players Could Boycott The Hundred After ECB's Stance on NOC

Top England players may boycott The Hundred in protest against the ECB's proposed overhaul of its No Objection Certificate (NOC) policy, which restricts participation in global franchise leagues clashing with England's domestic summer. Around 50 players are reportedly considering withdrawing from negotiations and the player draft unless the policy is revised. The move could affect The Hundred's player quality and the ECB's plans to sell stakes in the competition.

8. Gus Atkinson becomes 14th England played to claim Test Hattrick

England pacer Gus Atkinson became the 14th Englishman to claim a Test hat-trick, achieving the feat against New Zealand on Day 2 of the second Test in Wellington. Atkinson dismissed Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, and Tim Southee in consecutive deliveries, marking England's first Test hat-trick since Moeen Ali in 2017. His performance helped bowl New Zealand out for 125, further consolidating England's dominance in the match.

9. Jasprit Bumrah dismissed for duck in Test on his birthday, joins unique list

Jasprit Bumrah marked his birthday with an unusual record during the Pink-ball Test against Australia in Adelaide, becoming the fourth Indian cricketer to score a duck in a Test on his birthday. Batting at No.10, Bumrah edged a delivery from Pat Cummins to first slip after a brief 35-run stand. He joins Syed Kirmani, Venkatapathy Raju, and Ishant Sharma in this rare statistical club.

10. Merseyside Derby Postponed As Safety Concerns Arise From Storm Darragh

The Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool was postponed due to safety concerns from Storm Darragh. Scheduled for Saturday at Goodison Park, the decision followed discussions with authorities prioritizing fan, staff, and player safety. Everton acknowledged fans' disappointment but emphasized the importance of safety. Other matches, including Cardiff vs. Watford and Plymouth vs. Oxford, were also affected, highlighting the storm's disruption of sporting events across the region.