The Spin | We should love this India team but Champions Trophy felt a hollow triumph

Rohit Sharma’s side are all-time greats but Indian dominance has created imbalance and over-dependence

They can tear you apart with a thousand incisive cuts or systematically grind you down to a fine powder. They have a bottomless well of talent with multiple world class options in every position. Winning is not only expected but demanded, both from within the camp and throughout their legions of loyal supporters that have turned them into a commercial behemoth.

No, not India, who eased past New Zealand to claim the Champions Trophy this weekend. We’re talking about Ricky Ponting’s Australia. Actually, it’s Clive Lloyd’s West Indians. Or should that be Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls, Richie McCaw’s All Blacks, or the Americans under Christie Rampone, Carli Lloyd and Megan Rapinoe?

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Australia and England set for day-night Test at MCG for 150th Ashes anniversary

  • First men’s pink-ball Test to be played at famous Melbourne venue
  • Rivals to meet for historic match starting 11 March 2027

The historic 150th anniversary Ashes Test at the MCG in 2027 will be staged as a day-night match.

Long locked in for 11 to 15 March, Cricket Australia confirmed – exactly two years out – Australia’s one-off match against England would be the first men’s pink-ball Test at the venue.

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Rohit Sharma eases India to dominant Champions Trophy win over New Zealand

India won another global trophy with a four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final on Sunday.

Their captain, Rohit Sharma, led the chase with 76 off 83 balls and KL Rahul’s unbeaten 34 helped India cross the finish line on 254 for six in 49 overs.

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