India beat South Africa by 113 runs
India beat South Africa by 113 runs at Centurion to go 1-0 up in the three-match Test series. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami claimed three wickets each, and Mohammed Siraj and R. Ashwin two each, to bowl out South Africa for 191. Dean Elgar top-scored for South Africa, with 77, while Temba Bavuma was left stranded on 38.
Taylor retires from international cricket
Ross Taylor has announced that he will retire after the forthcoming home summer of New Zealand, where they will play two Tests and six ODIs. The first Test match between New Zealand and Bangladesh begin on 1 January. They will later tour Australia for three ODIs, and host the Netherlands for three more.
'It's been an amazing journey and I feel incredibly fortunate to have represented my country for as long as I have,' said Taylor. 'It's been such a privilege to play with and against some of the greats of the game and to have created so many memories and friendships along the way.'
De Kock retires from Test cricket
Hours after South Africa's defeat against India, in the first Test match, in Centurion, Quinton de Kock announced retirement from Test cricket. Soon to become a father, de Kock wants to focus on his family. However, he will continue to play ODIs and T20Is.
From 54 Test matches, de Kock has scored 3,300 runs at 38.82, with six hundreds. He has also held 221 catches and effected 11 stumpings.
Chris Silverwood to miss Sydney Test
Chris Silverwood will miss the fourth Ashes Test after coming in close contact with a family member who tested positive for Covid-19. Silverwood will now undergo a self-isolation of 10 days. He will join the side ahead of the final Test.
David Boon, who was supposed to be the match referee for the fourth Test match, will also miss the game. He tested positive for Covid-19.
Scorchers-Stars match postponed due to Covid-19
The BBL 2021/22 match between Peth Scorchers and Melbourne Stars, slated to be held today, has been postponed after a member of Stars' support staff contracted the virus.
The staff member is being managed by Melbourne Stars medical staff in consultation with Cricket Australia and we look forward to them being able to return to the group in due course, said Melbourne Stars General Manager Blair Crouch.