Sports Bulletin on December 16: India Lose Top-Order in Rain-Hit Day 3; Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal face criticism

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In today's sports bulletin, India's top order faces another collapse in the rain-hit Gabba Test, with Virat Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal coming under scrutiny.

Meanwhile, in the Women's Hockey Junior Asia Cup, India successfully defends its title against China in a thrilling shootout. Check out these and other major sports stories from December 16, 2024.

India's Top Order Crumbles Again, Australia Dominates Rain-Hit Day 3 at Gabba

Australia tightened their grip on the Gabba Test as India ended Day 3 at 51/4, trailing by 394 runs. Jasprit Bumrah shone with figures of 6/76, while KL Rahul (30*) held firm amidst a top-order collapse, with Starc and Hazlewood wreaking havoc. Persistent rain and bad light restricted play to 33.1 overs, offering India a slim hope for a draw. Australia's bowlers remain poised to force a follow-on if play resumes.

Virat Kohli's Dismissal Pattern Criticised by Fans

Virat Kohli's recurring weakness outside off-stump cost him again, dismissed for 3 by Josh Hazlewood on Day 3 of the Gabba Test. India's top order crumbled to 22/3, with Mitchell Starc removing Jaiswal and Gill early. Fans and analysts slammed Kohli's inability to address this flaw, despite focused net practice. With Australia piling 445 runs, India faces a daunting task, placing immense responsibility on KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma to anchor a fightback.

Rain Threat Looms Over Final Days of India-Australia Gabba Test

Persistent rain threatens to disrupt the last two days of the Gabba Test, with Australia's Bureau of Meteorology predicting a 90% chance of showers. India, trailing by 394 runs, closed Day 3 at 51/4, with KL Rahul (33*) and Rohit Sharma (0*) at the crease. Rain repeatedly interrupted play, stalling India’s fightback against Australia’s dominant pace attack. With significant rainfall expected, the match increasingly leans towards a draw.

Jasprit Bumrah Backs Mohammed Siraj Despite Tough Outing in Brisbane

Jasprit Bumrah lauded Mohammed Siraj for his perseverance during the Brisbane Test, where Siraj conceded 97 runs for two lower-order wickets. Bumrah revealed Siraj bowled through a niggle to avoid putting the team under pressure, highlighting his fighting spirit and positive attitude. "In this Test, we have to give him credit as he had a little niggle but still kept bowling because he knew if he goes inside, then the team will be under pressure. He has a great attitude and a fighter’s spirit,” Bumrah said.

Gavaskar Critiques Jaiswal's Reckless Shot Selection Against Starc

Sunil Gavaskar criticised Yashasvi Jaiswal's dismissal on Day 3 of the Brisbane Test, calling the shot "very disappointing" for an opener facing a 445-run deficit. Jaiswal was dismissed for just four runs, caught at square leg off Mitchell Starc’s second delivery. Gavaskar emphasised the need for practicality and restraint, especially against the new ball, instead of trying to score aggressively in the first over. "It’s not the best of shots. You are facing 445 runs, then I think it’s important for you to get your eye in. It wasn’t even a half volley, and you have tried to flick that ball away, and it’s a simple catch," said Gavaskar.

D Gukesh Returns to Chennai Amid Grand Celebrations

D Gukesh, the 18-year-old world chess champion, was greeted with an overwhelming reception at Chennai's Kamaraj airport after his historic victory over China's Ding Liren in Singapore. Supporters, Tamil Nadu government officials, and his alma mater's staff celebrated his return with shawls, bouquets, and a decorated car ride. Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin will present Gukesh with a ₹5 crore cash prize at a grand event, lauding his monumental achievement.

England Lose Openers After New Zealand Set Target of 658 in 3rd Test

Kane Williamson’s 156 anchored New Zealand’s commanding second innings, setting England a massive target of 658 in the third Test. Williamson shared key stands with Rachin Ravindra (44) and Daryl Mitchell (60), further frustrating England, who missed skipper Ben Stokes due to injury. Tim Southee received a guard of honor as his farewell Test continued. England, reduced to 18/2 by stumps, now face an uphill battle to avoid defeat at Seddon Park. England currently lead the series 2-0.

Shreyas Iyer Makes History with SMAT and IPL Titles

Shreyas Iyer made history on November 15, 2024, becoming the first cricketer to win both the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) and the IPL title as a captain in the same year. Leading Mumbai to a 5-wicket victory over Madhya Pradesh in the SMAT final, Iyer also finished as the fourth-leading run-scorer of the tournament. In the IPL 2025 auction, he was bought by Punjab Kings for Rs. 26.75 crore, potentially becoming their captain.

Bangladesh Clinches 7-Run Victory in 1st T20 Against West Indies

Bangladesh defeated West Indies by 7 runs in the first T20 of their three-match series on Sunday. Bangladesh posted 147-6, with Soumya Sarkar top-scoring 43. West Indies struggled at 61-7 but Rovman Powell’s 60 off 35 balls brought them close. However, Bangladesh's Hasan Mahmud (2-18) sealed the win in a thrilling final over, dismissing Powell and Alzarri Joseph. Mahedi Hasan also impressed with 4-13. The series continues on Wednesday with the final match on Friday.

Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues Star in India’s Dominant 49-Run Win Over West Indies in WT20I

India secured a commanding 49-run victory over West Indies in the opening match of the WT20I series. Smriti Mandhana (54) and Jemimah Rodrigues (73) powered India to 195/4, their highest T20I total against the West Indies. In reply, the West Indies fell short, despite Deandra Dottin’s 52 and Qiana Joseph’s 49. Titas Sadhu (3-37), Deepti Sharma (2-21), and Radha Yadav (2-28) led India’s bowlers, restricting the hosts to 146/7. The second match of the series will take place on Tuesday.

Pep Guardiola Takes Full Responsibility for Manchester City’s Derby Defeat

Pep Guardiola has taken the blame for Manchester City's dramatic 2-1 defeat to Manchester United in the Premier League, admitting his failure to find a solution to the team's ongoing struggles. Despite leading until the 88th minute, City allowed United to stage a late comeback. "I don't have a defence. I'm the boss, I'm the manager and I'm not good enough," Guardiola said. "I have to find a solution and I don't find a solution. It is as simple as that. I am not doing well, that is the truth."

India Defend Women's Hockey Junior Asia Cup Title with Shootout Victory Over China

India successfully defended their Women's Hockey Junior Asia Cup 2024 title, defeating China 3-2 in a thrilling penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw at the end of regulation time. Kanika Siwach's third-quarter equalizer for India set up the dramatic shootout, where goalkeeper Nidhi made three crucial saves. Sakshi Rana, Ishika, and Sunelita Toppo scored in the shootout to secure the win. The victory also earned India a spot in the 2025 FIH Women's Hockey Junior World Cup. Deepika Sehrawat finished as the tournament’s top scorer with 12 goals.