December 18, Morning Brief: Today's top news and headlines from cricketing world

1. Watch: Jasprit Bumrah sends Usman Khawaja packing with peach of a delivery

Jasprit Bumrah continued his purple patch in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 as he dismissed Usman Khawaja in his second over in Australia's second innings on Day 5 at The Gabba in Brisbane. (Read More)

2. Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25: Sanju Samson excluded from Kerala squad after not attending camp

The in-form Sanju Samson has not been picked in Kerala's Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25 squad after he failed to attend a three-day camp ahead of the 50-over tournament. (Read More)

3. New Zealand appoint Mitchell Santner as full-time white-ball captain

Mitchell Santner has been officially announced as the new white-ball captain of New Zealand. He replaces Kane Williamson, who relinquished the role after New Zealand's dismal campaign in the 2024 T20 World Cup. (Read More)

4. West Indies women level score after spectacular display against India in second T20I

With the series levelled, both sides will now shift their focus onto the third T20I. India women will take on the West Indies women in the third clash at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai on Thursday, December 19. (Read More)

5. There was a desperation to break the Bumrah-Akash Deep partnership: Australia assistant coach Daniel Vettori

Pace bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep form one of the most crucial final wicket partnerships in the third Test in Gabba and successfully avoid the follow-on. This was a terrific effort by the tail-enders who stayed resilient in the end and were praised by Australian assistant coach Daniel Vettori. (Read More)

6. WATCH: Daniel Sams' fierce blows see Sydney Thunders get 31 runs in 19th over against Adelaide Strikers

The Adelaide Strikers faced a shocking defeat against the Sydney Thunder in Canberra by two wickets due to Daniel Sams's explosive innings for the Thunder during the chase. The Aussie all-rounder completely turned the game on its head. (Read More)

7. WTC 2023-2025: How Pakistan can help India qualify for final?

Team India’s hopes of qualifying for the World Test Championship final have been hit with a massive blow after their recent performances in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. (Read More)

8. Rinku Singh to lead Uttar Pradesh in Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25

Rinku Singh is set to lead Uttar Pradesh in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy, which will get underway from December 21. The UP team will be high on confidence after great performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024. (Read More)

9. SA20 2025: Robin Uthappa, Stuart Broad in star-studded commentary panel for third edition

Joining Robin Uthappa on the commentary panel for South Africa’s premier T20 franchise are cricketing icons Kevin Pietersen, Shaun Pollock and Stuart Broad. (Read More)

10. ICC congratulates Richie Richardson on 100-ODI landmark

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has congratulated Richie Richardson for officiating in 100 Men’s One Day Internationals as a Match Referee. (Read More)