Sports Bulletin on December 20: Australia make changes in squad for last two tests, Prithvi Shaw faces disciplinary accusation from MCA

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In today's sports bulletin (December 20), Australia revised their squad for the final two Tests against India, while Prithvi Shaw faces criticism from the MCA over disciplinary issues.

Highlights include further key developments such as R. Ashwin's potential Khel Ratna honour, Rinku Singh's captaincy debut among others. Let's take a look at the bulletins in brief below:

Australia Revise Squad for Final India Tests: Konstas In, Hazlewood Out

Australia have announced their revised squad for the last two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India. Teen sensation Sam Konstas replaces Nathan McSweeney, having impressed with a century against India for the Prime Minister’s XI. Injured pacer Josh Hazlewood is out, with Sean Abbott, Jhye Richardson, and Beau Webster joining the squad. The fourth Test is slated for December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, with the series tied 1-1.

Prithvi Shaw’s Night-Outs and Missed Practices Spark MCA Criticism

Prithvi Shaw’s exclusion from the Vijay Hazare Trophy squad stems from disciplinary concerns raised by the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA). An official alleged Shaw frequently returned late to the team hotel after night-outs during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, causing him to miss practice sessions. Despite his talent and a 197-run campaign at a strike rate of 156, the MCA highlighted Shaw’s poor fitness, discipline, and attitude as major setbacks, urging him to prioritize professionalism.

Congress MP Advocates Khel Ratna Award for R. Ashwin After Retirement

Congress MP Vijay Vasanth has urged Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya to honor R. Ashwin with the Khel Ratna Award, following the off-spinner's retirement after the India-Australia Brisbane Test. Ashwin, India’s second-highest wicket-taker with 765 dismissals across formats, played a pivotal role in India’s Test dominance and was part of the 2011 World Cup-winning team. His illustrious career includes 537 Test wickets, 37 five-wicket hauls, and contributions in ODIs and T20Is.

Rinku Singh Named Uttar Pradesh Captain for Vijay Hazare Trophy

Rinku Singh will lead Uttar Pradesh in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy, marking his first captaincy stint at the senior state level. The promotion follows his successful leadership of Meerut Mavericks to the UPT20 League title. With an impressive List A record of 1,899 runs at an average of 48.69, Rinku aims to guide UP to their first title since 2015-16. He remains focused on domestic success, with India ODI opportunities on the horizon.

Smriti Mandhana Breaks Records in India’s Series-Winning T20I Triumph

Smriti Mandhana delivered a historic 77-run knock in India's series-clinching win over West Indies, setting multiple records. She now holds the record for most 50+ scores (30) and fours (506) in women’s T20Is, surpassing Suzie Bates. Mandhana also scored the most runs in a bilateral T20I series for India, amassing 193 runs. Richa Ghosh complemented her with a blazing 54 off 21 balls, equaling the fastest T20I fifty record, as India posted their highest-ever T20I total of 217/4.

Bangladesh Secure Historic 3-0 T20I Clean Sweep Over West Indies

Bangladesh achieved their first-ever T20I series clean sweep in the Caribbean, defeating West Indies 3-0. In the final match, Jake Ali’s unbeaten 72 off 41 powered Bangladesh to 189, while Rishad Hossain’s 3/21 dismantled the hosts for 109, sealing an 80-run victory. Romario Shepherd stood out for West Indies with 33 runs and two wickets.

Shaheen Afridi, Babar Azam Shine as Pakistan Seal ODI Series Against South Africa

Pakistan defeated South Africa by 82 runs in Cape Town, securing their third straight ODI series win. Shaheen Afridi dazzled with figures of 4/47, while Mohammad Rizwan (80), Babar Azam (73), and Kamran Ghulam (63 off 32) powered Pakistan to 329. Heinrich Klaasen's valiant 97 off 74 wasn’t enough as South Africa crumbled for 247. Afridi’s reverse swing dismantled the hosts, marking Pakistan's most complete ODI performance in recent times.