Sports Bulletin August 27: Starc Reaches No. 1, India's No-Ball Woes, Sterling Charged & Svitolina-Monfils Shine

New Delhi, August 27: From Test cricket's no-ball headache to Mitchell Starc's rise to the summit, a busy day in sport threw up plenty of talking points. India spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule's light-hearted suggestion of introducing free-hits in Tests came after Indian spinners overstepped 10 times against Sri Lanka, highlighting a growing concern for the team.

Elsewhere in cricket, Sri Lanka fought back through Sonal Dinusha and Pasindu Sooriyabandara, while Starc displaced Jasprit Bumrah as the world's No. 1 Test bowler after a stunning 10-wicket haul against Bangladesh.

Off the cricket field, Raheem Sterling faced criminal charges following a Lamborghini crash, while tennis stars Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils continued their fairytale US Open mixed doubles run.

Here is your daily sports wrap in the Sports Bulletin for August 27.

Sairaj Bahutule on no-ball menace of Indian spinners

India's spin bowling coach, Sairaj Bahutule, light-heartedly suggested introducing free-hits for no-balls in Test cricket to solve the growing overstepping issue. His comments came after Indian spinners delivered 10 no-balls during the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo. Bahutule explained that bowlers tend to overstep when putting in extra effort for a wicket. While acknowledging it as a serious concern being addressed in practice sessions, he noted that the threat of a free-hit would quickly force teams to eliminate no-balls.

⁠Sonal Dinusha puts Sri Lanka ahead after Day 4

On Day 4 of the second Test against India in Colombo, Sri Lanka mounted a spirited fightback to reach 229/6 in their second innings, holding a 16-run lead after India enforced the follow-on. Earlier, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 290 in their first innings, anchored by Sonal Dinusha's 103. In their second attempt, Pasindu Sooriyabandara led the host's resistance with a strong 92. Despite Sri Lanka's efforts, India remains in full control, needing just four wickets on Day 5 to secure victory.

⁠Mitchell Starc replaces Jasprit Bumrah for no 1 position

Australia's Mitchell Starc has surpassed Jasprit Bumrah to become the world's No. 1 Test bowler for the first time in his career. Starc climbed to the top with 872 rating points after taking 10 wickets for 51 runs against Bangladesh in Mackay. His match-winning performance also lifted him to 10th on the all-time Test wicket-takers list with 445 wickets. Meanwhile, Bumrah slipped to second place amid his absence from India's ongoing Test series in Sri Lanka.

⁠Raheem Sterling charged with rash driving after accident

Former England and Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling faces criminal charges following a single-vehicle Lamborghini crash on the M3 motorway in Hampshire on May 28. Hampshire police confirmed Sterling was charged with dangerous driving, possessing nitrous oxide for wrongful inhalation, and failing to provide a specimen. No other vehicles were involved, and no injuries were reported. Currently a free agent following recent stints with Chelsea, Arsenal, and Feyenoord, the 31-year-old is scheduled to appear at Basingstoke Magistrates' Court on September 15.

⁠Nine players from KCL make the cut for Asiad

Nine players from the Kabaddi Champions League (KCL) have been selected for India's 12-member kabaddi squad for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan. The selected athletes include prominent KCL figures such as Sunil Malik, Ayan Lauchab, Devank Dalal, Ashu Malik, Rahul Setpal, Jaideep Dahiya, and Ankit Jaglan. Additionally, KCL Chairman and Dronacharya Awardee Shri Balwan Singh Ji has been appointed head coach of the national team, highlighting the franchise league's role as a major pipeline for Indian kabaddi.

⁠US Open: Elina & Gael Monfils celebrate semifinals run

Married tennis stars Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils reached the US Open mixed doubles semifinals after defeating Katerina Siniakova and Henry Patten 5-4 (6), 4-5 (3), (10-8). Competing on wildcard entries with little doubles-specific preparation, the couple is capitalizing on the tournament's newly revamped, fast-paced mixed doubles format. The run holds special significance for Monfils, who is competing in his final US Open, with the team vying for the $1 million winners' prize.