October 9, Evening Brief: Today's top news and headlines from cricketing world

1. Shane Watson explains why Cheteshwar Pujara's absence will not hurt India in Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

Pujara was a crucial cog in the team's wheel in their last two tours Down Under, as he was the leading run-getter in the 2018-19 series. However, he has fell out of favour and is unlilely to be a part of BGT 2024-25. (Read More)

2. 'Can see him overhauling Sachin Tendulkar's record' - Alastair Cook after Joe Root breaks his Test record

Root notched up his 35th Test century and surpassed Alastair Cook as England's highest Test run-getter. (Read More)

3. 'It’s helping destroy Test cricket' - Kevin Pietersen continues criticism over belter Multan track for PAK vs ENG Test

Pakistan kept on milking the runs and they posted 556 runs at the end of their innings. The lifeless nature of the pitch has irked Kevin Pietersen. (Read More) 

4. 'The cricket board looks after me, but the players also need to be welcoming' - Tamim Iqbal on potential international comeback

Tamim also put forward a condition that he should be getting a longer run in the setup, and not just a handful of games should he choose to make an international return. (Read More)

5. 'It was a gorgeous shot to get there' - Michael Atherton on Joe Root becoming England's leading run-getter in Tests

Atherton admitted that he had had a feeling since long about Root becoming one of England's finest. (Read More)

6. Ranji Trophy 2024-25: Ishan Kishan named Jharkhand captain in 16-man squad

This comes as a perfect opportunity for Kishan to get back into the national team, having lost the BCCI central contract last year. (Read More)

7. Shane Watson backs Steve Smith to open in Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

Smith has opened in four Tests and mustered 174 runs at an average of 28.50. (Read More)

8. Ranji Trophy 2024-25: Saurashtra announce squad, Jaydev Unadkat to lead side

Veteran left-arm medium pacer, Jaydev Unadkat, is primed to lead Saurashtra in Ranji Trophy 2024-25. (Read More)

9. Ranji Trophy 2024-25: Akash Deep named in Bengal squad despite India duties, no Mohammed Shami

Shami hasn't been included in the squad for first two rounds, as announced by the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB). (Read More)

10. Long time for someone to break Joe Root's Test record: Ben Stokes

Root took 147 matches to surpass Cook to claim the first spot in England's coveted batters pantheon and the fifth spot in the all-time list. As per skipper Stokes, it will take long for someone to reach there. (Read More)