🗞️ India clings on, Hazlewood out

🏏 India Narrowly Escapes Follow-On

In the rain-impacted third Test, India dodged the follow-on thanks to a gritty ninth-wicket partnership. Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep combined for an unbeaten 39 runs, pushing India to 252 for 9.

Despite Australia’s relentless bowling from Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, and strong contributions from KL Rahul (84) [after being dropped by Steve Smith the first ball of the day], and Ravindra Jadeja (77), the Indian lower order held firm in the final overs. Early chaos saw Rahul nearly dismissed due to a dropped catch, but disciplined batting from Jadeja and Deep ensured India remained in the fight.

With Josh Hazlewood injured [Calf Strain - looks to be out for the rest of the series, with Scott Boland coming in], Australia now faces a tough challenge to secure victory and lead the series 2-1.

🤔 Have they thought of walking in with the bowler?

🏏 Teen Star Konstas Shines as Thunder Edge Strikers

Sam Konstas, 19, smashed a record-breaking 56 off 27 balls—becoming the youngest to hit a Big Bash half-century—as Sydney Thunder edged Adelaide Strikers by two wickets. Chasing 183, Daniel Sams’ explosive 31-run over [another record] saved Thunder from 149-7, sealing victory with two balls to spare.

Konstas’ 20-ball fifty also set a new Thunder record. (watch highlights)

🏉 Sevens Star Michaela Blyde Joins NRLW Warriors

Two-time Olympic gold medallist Michaela Blyde, one of the greatest rugby sevens players, will join the NRLW’s New Zealand Warriors. Fresh from Paris 2024 glory, the 28-year-old is set to tackle a new challenge in the 13-a-side game, boosting the Warriors’ ranks with proven winning pedigree.

🇦🇺 Luke Parker's Bold Move to North Melbourne Signals a Shift

Luke Parker's surprise move to North Melbourne highlights a changing AFL landscape. After 14 years at Sydney, Parker acknowledged the era of one-club players is fading. “Things change quickly, and clubs go in different directions,” Parker told SEN.

Joining him at Arden Street are Jack Darling (West Coast) and Caleb Daniel (Western Bulldogs), adding premiership experience to the Roos' rebuild. Parker believes his move mirrors legends like Luke Hodge, who revived Brisbane’s culture after leaving Hawthorn.

The trend of veterans departing for new opportunities continues:

Like Hodge at Brisbane, Parker insists he’s not just there to mentor but to “take us to where we want to go.”

🏉 Seibold Extends at Manly with One Mission in Mind

Manly Sea Eagles coach Anthony Seibold has extended his contract until 2027, determined to deliver a premiership. After steering Manly to the 2024 finals, Seibold has rebuilt the club following its pride jersey saga and Des Hasler's exit. “The mission is to win,” Seibold told Code Sports, emphasising reliability as the key to future success.

⚽️ Coach Kisnorbo leaves for greener pastures

Melbourne Victory coach Patrick Kisnorbo has shocked the A-League by quitting the club days out from the local derby with cross-town rivals Melbourne City to pursue an overseas opportunity.

Kisnorbo enjoyed as strong start to his time at Victory, winning nine of his 12 matches in charge, with one draw and two defeats.

The club’s managing director, Caroline Carnegie, said assistant coach Arthur Diles would be “well equipped” to take over and would be in charge for Saturday’s showdown with fourth-placed City at AAMI Park. 

🎾 icymi: Nick Kyrgios and former Wimbledon final opponent Novak Djokovic will team up at the Brisbane International.

The pair will use the event to warm up for next month's Australian Open, with Kyrgios using an injury-protected ranking to secure a direct entry at Melbourne Park.

The Brisbane International will begin at Pat Rafter Arena on December 29.

🏀 Bucks vs Thunder: 2024 NBA Cup Final Set for Las Vegas

The Milwaukee Bucks will take on the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2024 NBA Cup final today (12:30 AEDT) at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena. Now in its second year, the NBA Cup is designed to inject importance into the early part of the season, borrowing its format from football’s World Cup.

Thirty teams began the tournament, split into six groups of five. After a single round of group matches, the winners and two best runners-up advanced to knockout rounds. The results—except for the final—also count toward regular-season standings, ensuring every game matters.

The Bucks, unbeaten in the Cup (6-0), earned their spot with a 110-102 semi-final win over Atlanta. The Thunder, leading the Western Conference (20-5), dispatched Houston 111-96.

For Milwaukee, it’s a chance to reassert dominance. For Oklahoma City, it’s a statement of their resurgence. Either way, the NBA’s bold new prize has a worthy final.

🏀 Josh Giddey injures ankle in narrow victory over Raptors

The Chicago Bulls edged out the Toronto Raptors 122-121 on Tuesday (AEDT), marking their fourth win in six games. The triumph, however, was overshadowed by Aussie star Josh Giddey’s right ankle injury, which forced him off the court midway through the third quarter.

⚽️ EPL Whispers: Manchester United have put England forward Marcus Rashford, 27, up for sale and would approve a cut-price move in January. 

Liverpool's Egypt forward Mohamed Salah, 32, is close to signing a new contract with the club. 

Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk says he is in "complete shock" after testing positive for a banned substance. 

As reported on Monday, Vitor Pereira has agreed an 18-month deal to become Wolves' new manager.

The Premier League strugglers are paying around 1m euros to bring the boss of Saudi Pro League club Al-Shabab to the Midlands.

🏏 England's year ended with a thumping defeat by New Zealand, who sent seamer Tim Southee into retirement with a consolation victory in the third and final Test.

Set a fanciful 658, England were hustled out for 234 midway through the fourth afternoon to lose by 423 runs, their largest defeat by the Black Caps in terms of runs and fourth-largest by anyone.

🥊 I can’t believe I’m typing this but; Conor McGregor has declared he is set to return to combat sports in a boxing match against WWE wrestler and YouTuber Logan Paul.

“The rumors of a bout with (UFC featherweight champion Ilia) Topurio (Topuria) are false,” McGregor tweeted.

“I am in preliminary agreements with the Ambani family to face Logan Paul in a boxing exhibition in India. I have agreed. I will then seek my return to the Octagon.”

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TODAY

10:50 - Test Match - Australia v India (Channel 7, Fox Cricket)

11:00 - NCAA - North Carolina Tar Heels v Florida Gators (ESPN 2)

12:30 - NBA Cup Championship - Oklahoma City Thunder v Milwaukee Bucks (ESPN)

19:15 - Big Bash League - Melbourne Stars v Brisbane Heat (Fox Cricket)

THURSDAY

09:00 - Women's ODI Series - New Zealand v Australia (Fox Cricket)

11:00 - NHL - Detroit Red Wings v Philadelphia Flyers (ESPN 2)

13:30 - NHL - Minnesota Wild v Florida Panthers (ESPN 2)

19:15 - Big Bash League - Melbourne Renegades v Hobart Hurricanes (Fox Cricket)

23:00 - ODI Series - South Africa v Pakistan (Fox Cricket)