The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction saw some stunning steal deals unfold over two days in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Franchises had to spend big in order to buy coveted stars like Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, Yuzvendra Chahal, Venkatesh Iyer, etc. on Day 1. But on the second day, some big bargains unfolded as franchises landed some established stars from the auction pool, while others simply didn’t have the money left to go all-in. Some of the top players franchises were lucky to sign for a bargain price includes the names of Washington Sundar, Glenn Maxwell, Quinton de Kock, etc.

Glenn Maxwell: Though the Australian all-rounder’s form is mostly the flip of a coin, the franchise putting its money on him can’t really be sure which Maxwell would turn up in a particular season. Maxwell was released by Royal Challengers Bengaluru ahead of the mega auction after a flop IPL 2024 campaign. With form not helping his case in the mega auction, Punjab Kings snapped Maxwell up for a cut-price deal of Rs 4 crore.

Tim David: Another Australia in the list, only a couple of years ago, David was being seen as one of the finest middle-order batters in the world, when it comes to the shortest format. But a poor run of form saw his stock decline. Royal Challengers Bengaluru, having let go of Maxwell, decided to replace him by signing David from the auction. He only cost INR 3 crore.

Adam Zampa: There’s no stopping Australian in the list, with spinner Adam Zampa slotting in at the No. 3 spot. With 341 wickets across 280 T20 games, Zampa is one of the top spinners in white-ball cricket at present. Though he hasn’t been able to replicate the same impact in the IPL, Sunrisers Hyderabad would be hopeful of that change as Zampa wears the orange shirt under the captaincy of his compatriot Pat Cummins. He was signed for just Rs 2.40 crore.

Quinton de Kock: One of the most fearsome opening batters in the game, De Kock was snapped up by Kolkata Knight Riders for a stunningly low fee of INR 3.60 crore. Landing a player who has scored 3,157 runs in 107 IPL matches, including two centuries, is a bargain that the KKR management would be immensely proud of.

Washington Sundar: Topping the charts is India all-rounder Washington Sundar. When Sundar was released by the Sunrisers Hyderabad, he was expected to cost somewhere around INR 10 crore in the auction. But, the spin-bowling all-rounder only cost Gujarat Titans Rs. 3.20 crore. With a T20 international record of 47 wickets from 52 matches and an economy rate of 6.87, Sundar is arguably the smartest buy of the auction.

Following Australia’s victory over Pakistan in the second T20I, spinner Adam Zampa, playing his 200th international match, expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, asserting that it is not a “B team.” Zampa’s milestone match turned into a celebration as Australia, recovering from the disappointment of a rare ODI home series loss to Pakistan, clinched a 13-run win to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match T20I series. Spencer Johnson was instrumental in defending a modest target of 148, finishing with exceptional figures of 5/26.

Speaking at the post-match presentation, Zampa said, “A great night at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). The atmosphere is one of the best in the country. A lot of our games here feel like away games. You can make use of the new ball here. Xavier brought us back in the middle. Spencer will only get better. Very impressive. I am known for my funky hairstyles. These players have been scoring runs in the BBL (Big Bash League) and taking wickets. No way this is our B team.”

Australia, opting to bat first, posted 147/9 in their 20 overs. Openers Matthew Short (32 off 17, including two fours and two sixes) and Jake Fraser-McGurk (20 off nine, with three fours and a six) provided a brisk start, but wickets fell at regular intervals. Contributions from Glenn Maxwell (21 off 20, with two sixes) and Aaron Hardie (28 off 23, with a four and a six) ensured a competitive total.

For Pakistan, Haris Rauf stood out with bowling figures of 4/22.

In reply, Pakistan’s chase faltered as they lost wickets consistently. Usman Khan (52 off 38, with four boundaries and a six) and Irfan Khan (37 off 28, with four boundaries and a six) fought valiantly, but their efforts fell short. Pakistan was bowled out for 134 with two balls to spare, falling 13 runs short.

Spencer Johnson’s five-wicket haul stole the show, supported by Zampa with two wickets and Xavier Bartlett with one. Johnson was named ‘Player of the Match’ for his match-winning performance.

With this win, Australia leads the series 2-0.

Australia spinner Adam Zampa had a hilarious exchange with newly appointed Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan during the second ODI of a three-match series in Adelaide on Friday. The incident happened in the 34th over of Australia’s innings, which came to a premature end on the final ball of the 35th over. After Pakistan opted to bowl, Australia, following their narrow defeat in the series opener in Melbourne, could only manage 163 at the Adelaide Oval. Amid Australia’s batting collapse, an incident involving Zampa and Rizwan caught the attention of the fans.

On the 4th ball of the over, Naseem Shah bowled a short-pitched ball to Zampa, who tried to pull it away towards deep backward square leg. Since the ball went past close to the bat, Rizwan made a loud appeal for a caught-behind chance.

However, the umpire soon turned down the appeal. Since the bowler was not too confident about an edge, Rizwan hilariously asked Zampa if he heard something. Zampa then decided to poke some fun at Rizwan, who also asked him whether he should take the DRS or not.

Zampa’s mind games paid off as Rizwan took the bait and wasted a DRS. The replays on Snicko showed that there was a huge gap between bat and ball. Despite losing the review, Rizwan was a good sport with the Pakistan skipper sharing a smile with Zampa.

“You should take it!” #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/WL2KFDCfrJ

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 8, 2024

Meanwhile, Haris Rauf took 5-29 to skittle Australia for 163. In perfect conditions, Rauf’s pace caused all sorts of problems, with Steve Smith’s 35 the top score as the hosts succumbed in the 35th over.

Jake Fraser-McGurk slammed three boundaries from Naseem Shah’s first over, but was out lbw in the following over for 13 to Shaheen Shah Afridi with the ball nipping back.

Short had a huge left-off on eight, with Afridi dropping a sitter by the ropes.

But the veteran paceman made amends, tempting Short into a cover drive shortly after on 19 that Babar Azam did well to hold.

Josh Inglis hit a breezy 18 before he gloved behind to Rizwan off Rauf, with the same pair accounting for Marnus Labuschagne (6) to leave Australia on 87-4 in the 16th over.

At the other end, Smith had a let-off on 14, with Saim Ayub getting his fingertips to a cover drive but unable to cling on.

The veteran finally fell when he got an edge to a Mohammad Hasnain delivery, and when Rauf and Rizwan again combined to remove Aaron Hardie (13) the hosts were 121-6.

Rauf struck again with the key wicket of dangerman Glenn Maxwell, bowling him for 16, while Michell Starc lasted only four balls before falling to Shah.

Rauf collected only his second ODI five-wicket haul by once more teaming with Rizwan to remove Pat Cummins (13).

(With AFP Inputs)

Australia vs Pakistan 2nd ODI Highlights© AFP

Australia on Monday left out their Test stars for the home T20 series against Pakistan, with a new captain set to be named. The three-match T20 series next month will conclude only four days before Australia embark on the first of a five home Tests against India. Selectors rested fast bowlers Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, along with other Test players Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head. All-rounder Cameron Green is injured and will miss the entire Australian summer.

Marsh is the usual T20 captain, leaving Josh Inglis, Adam Zampa, Glenn Maxwell and Matt Short in the mix to take charge against Pakistan.

Fast bowlers Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis and Spencer Johnson all return after injuries for the matches in Brisbane on November 14, Sydney two days later and Hobart on November 18.

The first Test against India begins in Perth on November 22.  

“This group of players have all represented Australia in T20 cricket, so we look forward to them continuing to enhance their international experience throughout this series,” said chief selector George Bailey.

“We are excited by the mix of experience combined with those closer to the start of their international journeys.”

The T20s follow a three-match one-day international series against Pakistan beginning on November 4.

Cummins, Hazlewood and Starc were included in the one-day squad announced two weeks ago, but Marsh and Head will be on paternity leave.

Australia T20 squad: Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa

Australia spinner Adam Zampa overtook former pacer Nathan Bracken to become Australia’s eighth-highest wicket-taker in ODIs on Saturday. Zampa made this upward movement in the charts during the fourth ODI against England at Lord’s. In the match, Zampa was somewhat the only positive for Australian bowling, taking two wickets for 66 runs in eight overs at an ecomomy rate of 8.25. He got crucial wickets of half-centurions Ben Duckett and Harry Brook.

Now, in 102 ODIs since his debut in 2016, Zampa has taken 175 wickets at an average of 27.99, with best figures of 5/35. He has 11 four-wicket hauls and a five-wicket haul in ODIs.

On the other hand, Bracken, a prominent Aussie pacer from 2001-09, once ranked number one in 50-over format, took 174 wickets in 116 ODIs at an average of 24.36, with best figures of 5/47. He took five 4-wicket hauls and two five-wicket hauls in ODIs.

Pace legends Glenn McGrath and Brett Lee (380 wickets each) are joint-highest wicket-takers in ODIs for Aussies.

Coming to the match, Australia won the toss and opted to field first.

England started off with a fine 48-run opening stand between Phil Salt (22 in 27 balls, with three fours) and Ben Duckett. After a brief stumble, skipper Harry Brook recorded a 79-run partnership with Duckett (63 in 62 balls, with six fours and a six) and a 75-run partnership with Jamie Smith (39 in 28 balls, with a four and two sixes). Brook missed out on a well-deserved second-successive ODI ton, scoring 87 in 58 balls, with 11 fours and a six.

Liam Livingstone (62* in 27 balls, with three fours and seven sixes) provided some brilliant finishing touches, smashing Mitchell Starc for 28 runs as England scored 312/5 in their 39 overs.

Adam Zampa (2/66) was the pick of the bowlers. Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, and Josh Hazlewood got a wicket each.

In the run-chase, openers Travis Head (34 in 23 balls, with four boundaries and two sixes) and skipper Marsh (28 in 34 balls, with two fours and a six) provided a fine start with a 68-run stand. However, after their partnership was broken, it was all downhill for Australia, who was skittled out for 126 in 24.4 overs, thanks to brilliant spells from Matthew Potts (4/38) and Brydon Carse (3/36). England levelled the five-match series 2-2 with a 186-run win.

Brook secured the ‘Player of the Match’ award.

Australian captain Mitchell Marsh has heaped praise on Adam Zampa as the leg-spinner prepares to play his 100th One Day International (ODI) against England on Thursday. Reflecting on Zampa’s journey, Marsh addressing a news conference highlighted the significant impact the bowler has had on the team and his development into one of Australia’s premier ODI players. “I think 100 games these days is a really special achievement,” Marsh said at the pre match press conference.

“Zamps’ (Adam Zampa) career has certainly had its ups and downs, being in and out of the side at times, but the way he’s gone about it over the last probably four or five years is commendable,” he further added.

Marsh emphasized Zampa’s growth both as a cricketer and as an individual.

“The person that he’s become and, more importantly for us as a team, the cricketer that he’s become is something that we’re really grateful for. He’s certainly tracking towards being one of our greatest ever ODI players,” Marsh noted.

Highlighting Zampa’s importance to the team, Marsh continued, “There’s no hiding the fact that he’s one of our go-to men with the ball over a 50-over period. That has been one of the challenges he’s taken in his stride over the last few years. He’s been that person for us, and he certainly thrives off the bigger moments, which is what all great players do.”

Marsh also lauded Zampa’s ability to perform under pressure.

“It’s a real credit to the way he’s gone about his work,” he added.

Zampa has taken 169 wickets in 99 matches, with his best figures of 5/35 against New Zealand in 2022. He has played 92 T20Is and scalped 111 wickets.

In the T20I bowlers’ rankings, he (662 rating) is just one rating point behind Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga in fifth place, though he remained some way behind England’s Adil Rashid in first (721 rating).

Zampa expressed his desire to keep playing ODI cricket.

“There’s been a lot of questions about the ODI format and what that looks [like] going forward. In terms of playing for Australia and that drive, I think every young guy coming through still thinks that’s the be-all and end-all. There are obviously those other opportunities in terms of franchise cricket, and that’s good. There’s been a lot said about how it’s a saturated market, but all these different competitions give other guys opportunities,” Zampa said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting believes that Adam Zampa’s reliable leg-spin helped England’s middle-order to score against him in the second T20I at Cardiff, where hosts levelled the series with a three wickets victory in the second T20I. Liam Livingstone played a pivotal role in England’s chase, smashing 87 off 47 balls. His explosive innings, alongside a formidable 90-run partnership with emerging talent Jacob Bethell, proved instrumental in chasing down Australia’s imposing target of 194 with six balls to spare.

Zampa, who had been tasked with leading Australia’s bowling attack in the absence of key bowlers such as Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, struggled to control the game. His figures of 0-37 from four overs underscored a rare off-day for the leg-spinner.

Ponting emphasised that Australia has often struggled when Zampa is neutralised by opposition batters. The statistics reveal a stark contrast in Zampa’s performance in wins versus losses: he boasts 83 wickets at an impressive average of 15.20 with an economy rate of 6.38 in victories, while his figures in defeats drop to 27 wickets at a much higher average of 40.07 with an economy rate of 8.49.

“If teams do get the better of Adam Zampa, Australia finds it hard to win,” Ponting noted during Sky Sports commentary. “He’s the key for them through those middle overs, making the breakthroughs and breaking partnerships. That didn’t happen tonight.”

England’s strategy was clear: target Zampa’s weaknesses. The hosts effectively identified that Zampa is more vulnerable to left-handed batters. Liam Livingstone and captain Phil Salt adopted a more cautious approach against Zampa, rotating the strike rather than attacking him aggressively. This tactic proved effective, but it was Jacob Bethell’s audacious performance that truly turned the tide. The 20-year-old hit Zampa for 26 runs off just 11 balls, including a remarkable 100m six over long-on.

Bethell’s aggressive approach and willingness to use his feet forced Zampa to vary his lengths, creating scoring opportunities. This contrasted sharply with Bethell’s performance in the series opener, where he was dismissed cheaply after playing back to a full delivery from Zampa. His newfound confidence and adaptability were evident in Cardiff, proving crucial for England’s success.

Ponting also critiqued Australian batters Jake Fraser-McGurk and Marcus Stoinis for their ineffective approach against England’s spinners, particularly Livingstone. Their tendency to step away from their bodies and mishit shots towards long-on left them vulnerable. Ponting noted, “England were willing to use their feet against the Australian spin. I don’t remember too many times tonight that the Australians left their crease at all.”

England vs Australia Live Score Updates 1st T20I© AFP

Australia spinner Adam Zampa remains hopeful of donning the iconic Baggy Green cap despite his sparse first-class appearances in recent years. Zampa, who has become a key figure in Australia’s limited-overs setup, believes his current form and experience would make him a strong contender for Test selection, particularly for subcontinent tours. Zampa’s Test aspirations first gained traction last year when he was considered a strong candidate for Australia’s Test tour of India. However, the selectors ultimately opted for Queensland’s Mitchell Swepson, leaving Zampa disappointed but undeterred.

“I think, realistically, (I’m) still a chance to play Test cricket,” he told the Final Word podcast. “If I was playing a lot of Shield cricket right now with the way I’m bowling, the bowler I am, think I’d be fine, I’d be doing really well. The few games I have played in the last couple of years are suggestive of that.”

The 31-year-old leg-spinner has played just two first-class matches since 2019, both for New South Wales, following his return to the state in 2020 after a seven-year stint with South Australia. His heavy white-ball commitments have limited his opportunities in the longer format, but Zampa remains confident that his skills would translate effectively to Test cricket, even with a first-class bowling average of 46.98.

Zampa’s Test hopes may yet be realized, with Australia’s upcoming two-Test series in Sri Lanka next year offering a potential opening. The selectors are expected to take a variety of spin-bowling options to support Nathan Lyon, and Zampa’s experience and current form could make him a valuable asset. While two spinners in home Tests is uncommon, Zampa could also see action in the Sheffield Shield, with a window of opportunity available either side of Pakistan’s visit in November for ODIs and T20Is.

However, Zampa is well aware of the scrutiny that would accompany his selection, particularly given his first-class record. “Even if I do get picked in the upcoming subcontinent tours, people will say, well his record is averaging 46 with the ball, it’s not good enough, people will say that I’m sure, but if I do get picked I’ll know that the way I feel like I’m bowling, it’ll be fine,” he said.

Regardless of whether Test cricket becomes a reality for Zampa, he has made it clear that his focus is firmly on representing Australia in international cricket. After the high of winning the 2023 ODI World Cup, Zampa withdrew from both the IPL and Major League Cricket (MLC) this year, reaffirming his commitment to the national team. He recently signed a two-year central contract with Cricket Australia, prioritizing national duty over the lucrative franchise circuit.

“I was lucky to…be part of a winning World Cup team,” he said. “Looking forward, the franchise thing isn’t for me. I want to keep playing for Australia as long as I can, the feeling of success in that team is something I want more of. I’m lucky enough to have signed a two-year with Australia and it’s on the basis of wanting to play every game for Australia. It meant I had to make some decisions around franchise cricket.”

Zampa, who is the only Australian men’s bowler with over 100 T20I wickets, continues to excel in the shortest format. He is currently playing in The Hundred for Oval Invincibles, where he is the joint-leading wicket-taker. However, his heart remains with the Australian team, and he is determined to contribute to their success in all formats.

Zampa now prepares for Australia’s upcoming tour of the UK, which includes three T20Is against Scotland, three more against England, and five ODIs, his Test dreams remain alive.