December 27 Evening Brief: Today's Top news and headlines from cricket world

1. 'Bobby this too shall pass' - Fans troll Babar Azam after another failure in Australia in Boxing Day Test

Pakistan batter Babar Azam was mocked by fans after being dismissed for just one run in the first innings of the second Test against Australia at Melbourne Cricket Ground. (READ MORE)

2. ‘If Ajinkya Rahane had been there today..’- Sunil Gavaskar analyses India’s batting performance against SA

Former India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar recalled Ajinkya Rahane’s exploits five years back in South African conditions and added that had he has been there on Boxing Day, the story could have been different. (READ MORE)

3. AUS vs PAK: Fans tip their hats as special tribute to late Shane Warne during MCG Test

The late former Australian spinner Shane Warne is widely regarded as one of the greatest bowlers of all time, not just from Australia but in world cricket. Warne was paid a special tribute by the spectators at the MCG during the second Test between Australia and Pakistan. (READ MORE)

4. 'If she gets tanned, no one will marry her' - Smriti Mandhana credits parents for blocking negativity throughout cricket journey

Star India batter Smriti Mandhana recalled her cricket journey and the challenges she had faced while building her career. She also stated that her parents were teased by so many people previously. (READ MORE)

5. Herschelle Gibbs lashes out at injured Temba Bavuma, calls him 'unfit and overweight'

Former South African cricketer Herschelle Gibbs didn't mince his words while criticising Temba Bavuma's fitness level. (READ MORE)

6. SA vs IND: ‘This is his shot’ - Batting coach Vikram Rathour defends Rohit Sharma for gifting wicket with go-to pull shot

India batting coach Vikram Rathour mentioned that the team management is ready to back Rohit Sharma to play pull shots in Test cricket. (READ MORE)

7. The stage of career Virat Kohli is in, he doesn't needs a lot of practice: Vikram Rathour

India's batting coach, Vikram Rathour, came up with a fascinating remark on ace batter Virat Kohli after the end of the opening day's play of the first Test against South Africa at SuperSport Park Stadium in Centurion on December 26. (READ MORE)

8. AUS vs PAK: Australia strike back in last session to finish Day 2 strongly in Melbourne

Pakistan ruled the roost in the first couple of sessions on Day 2 of the second Test against Australia in Melbourne before the hosts fought back post-Tea to finish on a strong note as Pakistan still trailing by 124 runs. (READ MORE)

9. AUS vs PAK: PTV Sports discontinues live coverage amidst betting company backlash

Cricket enthusiasts in Pakistan are in for an unexpected disruption as PTV Sports, the official broadcasting partner of the Pakistan Cricket Board has abruptly halted the live coverage of the ongoing Australia versus Pakistan Test series. The channel made an unprecedented move following a directive from the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, emphasising a "zero tolerance" stance against surrogate betting companies. (READ MORE)

10. Reports: Hardik Pandya set to miss Afghanistan T20Is, hopeful for IPL 2024

A latest report from India Today has stated that Hardik Pandya is likely to be ready in time for IPL 2024. (READ MORE)