October 29, Evening Brief: Today's top news and headlines from cricketing world

1. Australia 'strong favourites' in BGT 2024-25 against 'brittle' India: Tim Paine

Former captain Tim Paine has predicted that Australia will have the upper hand against India in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, slated to begin in Perth from November 22. (READ MORE)

2. Deepti Sharma, Sophie Devine reach career bests in ICC Women's ODI Player Rankings

Sharma’s has move up to a career-best-equalling second position while Devine has attained a career high eighth position in the batting rankings. (READ MORE)

3. LLC partners with Tennis Ball Cricket Federation of India to boost Hyperlocal cricket initiatives

Legends League Cricket (LLC) has partnered to launch LLCTen10, an exhilarating new format affiliated with the Tennis Ball Cricket Federation of India (TBCFI). (READ MORE)

4. Jacob Bethell earns maiden Test call-up as England announce squad for New Zealand series

England have named a 16-member squad for the three-match Test series against New Zealand, starting November 28 in Christchurch. Jacob Bethell, who made his ODI and T20I debuts earlier in the year, has been called up for the series. (READ MORE)

5. IND vs NZ 2024: Harshit Rana to join squad for third Test in Mumbai, set to make debut

Harshit Rana has been called up to join the Indian Test squad for the upcoming third Test against New Zealand in Mumbai, with strong indications pointing to his Test debut on Friday. (READ MORE)

6. Suresh Raina catches up with MS Dhoni ahead of IPL 2025 retention announcement

Former India cricketer Suresh Raina recently took to social media and shared a picture alongside former India skipper MS Dhoni. (READ MORE)

7. ‘Australia ko Australia mein haraenge’ - Mohammad Rizwan optimistic ahead of debut series as captain

Rizwan is aware of the challenge but is optimistic of beating Australia on their home turf. He reminded that Pakistan have come closer to a series victory last time around but on this ocassion, he feels the team is ready to meet the expectations. (READ MORE)

8. ‘Have you forgotten Shardul, Natarajan, Sundar’ - Sunil Joshi on India’s inexperienced squad for BGT 2024-25

Talking about the same, former India cricketer Sunil Joshi has raised questions on the board for ignoring experience over youth. (READ MORE)

9. 'He did not want Rizwan as captain' - Basit Ali reveals reason behind Gary Kirsten's exit as white-ball coach

Pakistan team's recent success against England at home was short-lived, as the national cricketing body is involved in yet another controversy. (READ MORE)

10. 'Even a vegetable seller will say he's the best opener' - Basit Ali after Fakhar Zaman's central contract snub

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has recently shown his empathy in the case of veteran opener Fakhar Zaman. (READ MORE)