Sports Bulletin for December 25: From Rohit Sharma opening in Melbourne to Jasprit Bumrah's new High

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On the day of Merry Christmas, a lot has been ongoing in the world of sports. The Australian team has already announced their team for the Melbourne Test, while the Manchester United manager has called for strong characters.

Check Out all the unmissable stories from across the sporting world here.

1. Australia confirm playing XI for Melbourne Test

Australia has announced their team for the 4th Test against India, which starts from December 26 in Melbourne. Sam Konstas is set to make his international debut replacing Nathan McSweeney. On the other hand, Travis Head is also deemed fit and the southpaw will play at the MCG. Josh Hazlewood is already out of the series with an injury and Scott Boland has been included as well.

Australia Playing XI: Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey(w), Pat Cummins(c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland

2. Rohit Sharma set to open for India

Rohit Sharma, the India captain, is likely to open the innings for India in the Melbourne Test. Rohit has so far played in the middle order and has struggled big time. The India skipper has managed only 19 runs in three innings so far and will be hoping for a shift of fortune as he opens the batting. KL Rahul is likely to be shifted at no. 3 for the next match, which means Shubman Gill may be left out.

3. Shubman Gill may be dropped for Boxing Day Test

Shubman Gill's poor form may axe him from the Melbourne Test as there are concerns regarding his form. The India batter has managed only 60 runs in three innings in the series and with Rohit opening the batting, he is likely to be dropped. Dhruv Jurel is the main contender to replace him and the latter will be added in the middle-order.

4. Champions Trophy 2025 schedule announced

The ICC announced the schedule for the Champions Trophy 2025, which is set to start from February 19. Pakistan will be playing the opening match against New Zealand, while India start their campaign the next day against Bangladesh. All of India's matches will be played in Dubai.

5. India will play Pakistan in Dubai

India will be up against Pakistan on February 23 in Dubai in the Champions Trophy. The knockout stages of the tournament may also be shifted to Dubai if India qualify for the semifinal and final. If India advance to the final, it will be played in Dubai, otherwise, the final shall be played in Lahore.

6. Manu Bhaker's name set to be added in final list for Khel Ratna

Manu Bhaker's name is set to be included in the final list for the Khel Ratna award. As the shooter was left out of the Khel Ratna list, it created a massive backlash and the her father also vented his grievance. But the double-medal winning Olympian is set to be listed for the award.

7. Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah can achieve significant milestones in Melbourne

Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah are a few wickets away from major milestones in Test cricket. Bumrah is just six wickets away from reaching 200 Test wickets. On the other hand, left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja is seven wickets away from 600 international wickets, and achieving that will make him the 6th Indian bowler to do so.

8. Jasprit Bumrah reaches highest rating points in ICC Test Rankings

India pacer Jasprit Bumrah has equalled the joint-highest rating in the latest ICC Test bowler rankings. The crown jewel of India's pace bowling has now 904 rating points, which is jointly the highest achieved by a bowler. Previously, Ravichandran Ashwin also reached the same rating in 2016 after a Test series against England.

9. Ruben Amorim says Manchester United at their Lowest Point in History

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim says the club is in "maybe one of their lowest moments" amid the turmoil on the field. The Portuguese has called the entire squad to remaining strong at this point as they look to come out of adversity. The Red Devils currently sit 13th in the Premier League table and lost their last league match against Bournemouth at Old Trafford.

10. Hima das Suspended for 16 Months

Hima Das, the Assam sprinter and 2018 World Junior Champion, has faced a 16-month suspension by NADA, effective from 22 July 2023, for a 'whereabouts' failure under a rare 'case resolution agreement.' Despite competing in events as late as June 2023, her suspension ended on 21 November 2024. Both the Anti-Doping Disciplinary and Appeal Panels initially exonerated her, citing 'no fault.' However, WADA reportedly reviewed the case, leading to her provisional suspension in July 2023.