Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc has been named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for December 2025. He became the first Australian player in two years to win the award.

Starc received the honour after a brilliant Ashes series at home. He played a key role in Australia’s bowling attack and also scored important runs in the lower order.

Speaking about the award, Starc said it was a proud moment for him. He added that winning the Ashes at home made it even more special. Starc said playing a part in such a famous series in front of home fans was something the team would remember for a long time.

He also said the team has produced many strong performances in recent years. Starc added that the focus is now on keeping the momentum going and securing a place in next year’s ICC World Test Championship Final.

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Starc’s Fiery Form in December

During the series against England, Mitchell Starc delivered key breakthroughs at crucial moments. He picked up important wickets and kept pressure on the opposition throughout the series. Starc also made useful contributions with the bat, scoring valuable lower-order runs that helped Australia stay in control during tight phases.

His all-round effort played a major role in Australia’s convincing Ashes series win and once again showed why he is regarded as one of the best fast bowlers in world cricket.

An Ashes-defining month sees an Australian pace spearhead clinch the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for December 2025 🔥

Read more ➡️ https://t.co/rLedvRXAq6 pic.twitter.com/O8KvXWenyz

— ICC (@ICC) January 15, 2026

Recognition and Team Effort

Starc was selected ahead of other strong performers, including New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy and West Indies all-rounder Justin Greaves. His consistent impact across matches in December made him a clear choice for the award.

Reacting to the honour, Starc credited the success to the team effort and said he was proud to contribute to Australia’s Ashes victory. He added that such awards reflect not only individual performance but also the support of teammates.

The award also marked Australia’s return to the ICC Player of the Month winners list after Pat Cummins’ win in December 2023. This recognition further strengthens Starc’s status as a world-class fast bowler and highlights his importance to Australia as the team prepares for future international challenges.

Former Australian cricketer Damien Martyn’s family has released a statement about his battle with meningitis. Martyn was hospitalised after feeling unwell and was found in a critical condition on December 26. His health worsened, and he was placed in an induced coma.

Martyn’s family has now confirmed that the former Australian batter is improving with treatment, bringing relief to the cricketing community.

“Damien is progressing well with his medical treatment. We also want to express our deepest appreciation to the medical team at Gold Coast University Hospital, who have been nothing short of amazing throughout this challenging time. This has been a trying time, and the family ask that you respect their privacy.”

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Damien Martyn has woken from a life-threatening coma after being hospitalised with meningitis.

MORE | https://t.co/I3dJNtcRhO pic.twitter.com/aLMCY9pvEL

— Herald Sun Sport (@heraldsunsport) January 4, 2026

Damien Martyn’s Recovery and Career Highlights

Martyn’s former Australian teammate, Adam Gilchrist, had said a few days ago that the 54-year-old is recovering well. Martyn is one of Australia’s most successful batters, scoring almost 10,000 international runs with 18 centuries in 279 matches.

Star Performance in the 2004 Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Damien Martyn played key roles against India, especially in the 2004 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in India. After an important 88* in the 2003 ODI World Cup final, he showed his skills against spin in the four-Test series the next year.

After a quiet first Test, Martyn scored a brilliant 104 in the second Test in Chennai, helping Australia secure a draw. He saved his best for the third Test in Nagpur, scoring 114 and 97 in the two innings, leading Australia to a 342-run win.

Martyn finished the series with another fine half-century in the final Test in Mumbai under tough batting conditions. He was the series’ top run-scorer with 444 runs at an average of over 55, helping Australia win the series 2-1.

Veteran Australian batter Usman Khawaja has announced that he will retire from international cricket after the 2025–26 Ashes series. The fifth Test in Sydney, starting on Sunday, January 4, will be his final match for Australia.

Khawaja made his Test debut in 2011 and had an up-and-down career. He played 87 Test matches and scored 6,206 runs at an average of 43.39, including 16 centuries. He was part of the Australian team that won the 2023 World Test Championship and also reached the final again two years later.

Speaking ahead of the Sydney Test, Khawaja said he is happy to retire on his own terms at the SCG, a ground he loves. He admitted that the start of the series was difficult and not being picked initially for the Adelaide Test made him feel it was time to move on.

With that in mind, let us look at three reasons why Usman Khawaja's retirement from Test cricket after the 2025–26 Ashes may not be the right decision.

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3. Australia Lack a Clear Backup Plan

Australia do not have a clear plan to replace Usman Khawaja. A similar situation happened a few years ago when David Warner retired during the home season. Even though Australia had time to plan, the transition did not go well. Moving Steve Smith up the order failed, while Sam Konstas and Nathan McSweeney did not get enough chances. Marnus Labuschagne also had to open briefly.

Khawaja was the one stable player in a confused batting unit. With his exit, Australia now face a big problem. They can either push Travis Head to open and strengthen the middle order with players like Josh Inglis and Jake Weatherald, or bring in a completely new opening pair from domestic cricket. Neither option is ideal, especially as the new World Test Championship cycle has just begun. Australia would have preferred more stability, and Khawaja provided exactly that.

2. His Experience Was Crucial for Tough Tours

Khawaja became a much better player against spin after the 2021 Ashes. He played a key role in Australia’s wins in Pakistan, India, and Sri Lanka on the way to the 2023 World Test Championship final. Since 2022, he has scored 1,261 runs in subcontinent Tests at an average of 84, making him Australia’s best batter in such conditions.

Australia are set to tour Bangladesh and India later in the WTC cycle. They have not played a Test series in Bangladesh for 11 years and have not won a series in India since 2004. In the last Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Khawaja was Australia’s top scorer. Replacing a player with such a strong record will be difficult, and any poor result could hurt Australia’s chances of reaching the WTC final.

1. Australia Will Miss His Versatility

Khawaja has helped Australia many times with his flexibility. He returned to the team in the 2021–22 Ashes at No.5 and scored two centuries in Sydney. He then became a regular opener and held the role for four years. Even recently, when Steve Smith missed a Test in Adelaide, Khawaja moved back to the middle order and scored an important half-century.

With many tough matches ahead, Australia needed experienced players who could adjust to different roles. Khawaja was one such player. Without him, the team will now have to depend on new faces and show patience as they settle into the side.

The cricket world was shocked after former Australian cricketer Damien Martyn was reported to be seriously ill and placed in an induced coma. He fell sick on Boxing Day and was admitted to the Gold Coast University Hospital, where he is being treated for meningitis.

Former teammate Adam Gilchrist shared an update on Martyn’s health during a Big Bash League match between Melbourne Renegades and Sydney Sixers. Gilchrist said Martyn is still in the hospital, but added that recent medical tests have shown positive signs over the last 24 hours.

Gilchrist also thanked fans for their support and prayers. He said there has been a lot of love for Martyn, calling him a great player and a wonderful person, and expressed hope that he continues to recover.

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#cricket 🏏 Former Australian Test star Damien Martyn is making progress in his battle against meningitis, with close friend Adam Gilchrist providing an update ▶️ https://t.co/L2z4IYQ2g2 pic.twitter.com/Pw21HjGvkt

— The Daily Telegraph (@dailytelegraph) January 1, 2026

Adam Gilchrist thanked fans and well-wishers on behalf of Damien Martyn and his family for the love and support during this difficult time.

“On behalf of Damien Martyn, a great friend and former teammate, and on behalf of his family and his partner, Amanda, thank you to everyone for the heartfelt love, wishes, and care,” Gilchrist said. He added that Martyn’s family truly appreciated the concern shown by people.

Gilchrist also shared that he had played with Martyn at the under-17 level, as well as for Western Australia and Australia, and described him as a close friend.

Former cricketers send support messages

Several former cricketers wished Martyn a speedy recovery. Former Australia Test player Rodney Hogg said, “We wish him all the best. This is shocking news.”

Former teammate Darren Lehmann shared a message on X, saying, “Lots of love and prayers to Damien Martyn. Stay strong and keep fighting. Love to the family.”

Ex-Western Australia teammate Ryan Campbell also posted his support, saying he was sending love and best wishes to Martyn and his family.

Thoughts and prayers to Damien Martyn and his family. Keep fighting bud!

— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) December 31, 2025

Thoughts and prayers with @damienmartyn for a speedy recovery. You’re a fighter, champ…and all of us are rooting for you. Godspeed 🙌

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) December 31, 2025

Thoughts are with @damienmartyn

Prayers to see him bounce back🙏

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) December 31, 2025

Cricket world prays for Martyn’s recovery

Since the news of Martyn’s serious condition came out, there has been concern across the cricket world and among fans. Former cricketers such as Dale Steyn, Ravichandran Ashwin, Aakash Chopra, VVS Laxman, and Michael Vaughan also wished for the 54-year-old’s quick recovery.

The 2025 calendar year displayed some fabulous performance in the longest format, which included South Africa’s maiden World Test Championship (WTC) 2023/25 title-winning victory against Australia in the final at Lord’s under the leadership of Temba Bavuma, who has been appointed as the leader for the Test XI of Cricket Australia in 2025.

For the opening spots, they have picked KL Rahul and Travis Head, with the Indian batter accumulating 813 runs in 19 innings at an average of 45.16 with the help of three centuries at the best score of 137. Meanwhile, Head clubbed 817 runs at 40.85. Joe Root, like every year, has found his place at three with 805 runs in 18 innings at 50.31.

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Shubman Gill has been fabulous in Tests this year and has got his name at number four with 983 runs at 70.21, thanks to five centuries at the best score of 269. Bavuma, at number five, has recorded 310 runs at 51.66 in Tests.

Cricket Australia picks Test XI in 2025

Alex Carey, who has always been the biggest contributor for Australia whenever they find themselves under pressure, finds their place at number six with 767 runs at an average of under 48 with two centuries. Ben Stokes remains the premier all-rounder for his 496 runs in 16 innings, thanks to one century, besides his 33 wickets in 23.12.

Mitchell Starc, who had a dream campaign in 2025, ended 2025 as the leading Test wicket-taker with 55 scalps at 17.32, finds his obvious place along with Jasprit Bumrah, who has bagged 31 wickets in eight innings at 22.16.

Scott Boland is the fourth pacer of the side with 32 wickets in 12 innings at an average of 15, while Simon Harmer's 30 wickets in eight Test innings at 14.30 make him the eleventh person. Ravindra Jadeja becomes the 12th man of the Test team.

Cricket Australia’s Test XI of 2025

KL Rahul, Travis Head, Joe Root, Shubman Gill, Temba Bavuma (C), Alex Carey, Ben Stokes, Mitchell Starc, Jasprit Bumrah, Scott Boland, Simon Harmer. 

When it comes to Test cricket, there must be a balance between bat and ball; otherwise, it becomes quite one-sided for one aspect of the game. The fourth Ashes 2025/26 Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) ended in less than two days, which was shorter in length than the opening fixture at the Optus Stadium in Perth.

The two-day finish at the MCG will now hit the financial structure of Cricket Australia, which is set to lose a massive amount for no cricket in the last three days of the clash. It has already happened during the Western Australia Test. The CA executive discussed the nightmare circumstances.

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“I didn't sleep well last night, put it that way. It was an amazing day of Test cricket, so for that record number of people who were here, boy, they've had an experience. But our challenge is to make sure we can continue those experiences day after day. That's the challenge for all of us.” Todd Grenberg, the CA chief executive, added.

CA chief executive reacts to two-day finish of Ashes 2025/26 in MCG

England’s captain, Ben Stokes, wasn’t happy either with the two-day finish as he lamented the Boxing Day, which saw 36 wickets falling in the six sessions of the Test. Both innings were finished for 20 wickets inside the opening day of the Melbourne Test before England completed the four-wicket win.

“It's hard not to get more involved when you see the impact on the sport, especially commercially. I'm not suggesting I'll go around talking to ground staff, but we do have to have a careful eye on what our expectations are over the course of a summer.” Greenberg addressed.

“The pitch had plenty in it, and the bowlers were always in the game. The message was to stay positive, not let the bowlers settle, and make them keep running in and hitting those tough areas. I thought the way we balanced intent with discipline was brilliant. It took courage, but the lads handled it superbly.” Stokes concluded.

Cricket Australia (CA) has confirmed that Pakistani players taking part in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) will complete the full season, easing concerns over their availability amid Pakistan’s scheduled T20I tour of Sri Lanka in January.

Speaking in Adelaide ahead of the third Ashes Test, CA chief executive Todd Greenberg said the board has received clear assurances regarding the availability of Pakistan’s leading stars. Players such as Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Shadab Khan, Haris Rauf and Hasan Ali were at the centre of speculation after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced a short T20I series in Sri Lanka that overlaps with the BBL window.

Pakistani stars assured full BBL stay as CA prepares Pakistan tour

However, Greenberg made it clear that the matter has been settled. “We’ve been told that if they’ve been signed by the BBL, they’ll play the whole BBL,” he said, adding that Cricket Australia remains confident none of the contracted players will be withdrawn midway through the tournament.

Alongside the BBL clarity, Greenberg also provided an update on Australia’s upcoming white-ball tour of Pakistan ahead of the T20 World Cup. While dates for the T20I series are yet to be finalised, he confirmed that preparations are already underway. Cricket Australia, along with the Australian Cricketers’ Association, has sent officials to Pakistan to conduct a pre-tour security assessment.

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“We’ve just sent a couple of people to Pakistan to do a pre-tour for the T20I games,” Greenberg said. “We’ll speak to the players after the Ashes series and explain how the tour will work from a security point of view. I toured Pakistan with the team in 2022 and it was an amazing experience.”

CA confirms FTP changes, Bangladesh Tests in Mackay and Darwin

Greenberg also revealed scheduling adjustments to Australia’s Future Tours Programme. The ODI leg of the Pakistan tour will be shifted to June, after the completion of the PSL and IPL, aligning with Australia’s limited-overs tour of Bangladesh in the same period.

In addition, CA confirmed that Bangladesh will tour Australia later in the year, with Test matches set to be played in Mackay and Darwin. Mackay will host its first-ever Test, marking the return of international red-ball cricket to Australia’s Top End for the first time since 2004.

Overall, Greenberg’s comments underline CA’s focus on schedule stability, player clarity and expanding the game’s footprint, while ensuring marquee tournaments like the BBL retain their star power.

The ongoing Ashes series took on a sombre tone after a tragic terror attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, prompting heartfelt messages from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Cricket Australia (CA) and leading figures from both teams. The incident, which Australian authorities described as a targeted terrorist attack, has cast a shadow over preparations for the third Ashes Test in Adelaide.

At least 15 people lost their lives and dozens were injured after two gunmen opened fire on a crowd gathered to mark the first night of Hanukkah. Police confirmed the situation was later neutralised, with one of the attackers among the dead. The tragedy has deeply affected the cricketing community, with players, officials and broadcasters expressing shock and grief.

Ahead of the make-or-break third Test, England’s tour was already under scrutiny following on-field struggles and heightened media attention. Tensions spilled over on Saturday when England’s security personnel were involved in an altercation with local media in Brisbane and Adelaide. Channel 7 released footage showing a security guard pushing a camera operator during routine filming in a public space, despite media adhering to Cricket Australia’s travel protocols. The broadcaster said it was taking the matter seriously, stressing staff safety.

We stand together. pic.twitter.com/Tp1EziHNlW

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) December 14, 2025

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CA and ECB lead tributes after Bondi Beach tragedy

As the focus shifted from cricket to compassion, CA and ECB issued a joint statement condemning the Bondi Beach attack. “Everybody at Cricket Australia and the England and Wales Cricket Board is horrified by the tragic events,” the statement read, extending condolences to the victims, their families and the Jewish community.

Australian spinner Nathan Lyon, speaking ahead of the Adelaide Test, echoed those sentiments, saying the team’s “thoughts and prayers” were with everyone affected. Former England captain Michael Vaughan, who was in Bondi during the incident, also paid tribute to emergency services and civilians who showed bravery.

With Australia leading the Ashes 2-0, the third Test will begin under a cloud of grief, with tributes expected in Adelaide as cricket pauses to reflect on a tragedy that extends far beyond the boundary.

While Australia have a scheduled plan to host Pakistan for a T20I series before the beginning of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Cricket Australia (CA) is rethinking the tour and is looking for safety first before taking a final decision on the tour, which is expected to be played in January 2026. 

Islamabad blast shook Pakistan once again

About a month ago, when Sri Lanka were on a busy tour in Pakistan, a suicide bombing in Islamabad shook the world once again, significantly the Lankan team. That incident killed at least 12 people and injured at least 25 people. It was the time of the ODI series, which was held before the T20I tri-series between the hosts Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe.

Some Sri Lankan players were considering returning home soon after that incident, where the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) had to intervene strongly to avoid any series cancellation. 

Although the ODI series and later T20I tri-series ended successfully, the security was very tight. Even a later video revealed how security was so tight during the Sri Lankan team's travel to the hotel from the practice session, which seemed like top-tier security. Rawalpindi hosted the ODI series and the T20I tri-series. 

As the Islamabad blast happened, Cricket Australia (CA) is monitoring the present situation. Australia have a plan to tour Pakistan for a T20I series in January 2026, and later they will tour again in Pakistan for a three-match ODI series in March 2026, after the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. 

While India and Sri Lanka will jointly host the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 from February 7 and March 8, 2026, the T20I series will be an important preparation for both Pakistan and Australia. 

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Cricket Australia sent delegation to assess Lahore situation

Although the final official fixture is yet to be published, Lahore is likely to host the upcoming T20I series against Australia. The CA has sent a delegation to assess the present situation in Lahore. It seems like the final decision on the Australia tour of Pakistan can be taken after the delegation report, which has an independent security advisor, a representative from the Australian Cricketers’ Association, and officials from the Australian High Commission.

The delegation will reportedly visit Gaddafi Stadium and the LCCA Ground, along with the team hotel and commute routes.

Just weeks after predicting a record year with the Ashes 2025/26 buzz, Cricket Australia (CA) is set to face a multi-million dollar drain after the rapid-fire two-day Ashes opener at the Optus Stadium in Perth. The combination of some terrific fast bowling, Travis Head’s special knock, and Bazball’s horrible approach led to the first blockbuster game ending late in the evening of the second day.

A record 101514 attended the Test match with 51531 turning for the opening day, followed by 49983 for the second, to surpass the record set of 96463 in Perth last year when India grabbed the victory in four days. Day three for Ashes 2025/26 was sold out as the CA chief executive joked about worrying the game would not last into the third day.

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“It's difficult for several different groups. Our broadcasters first of all. Certainly, us, on ticket sales, and our partners and sponsors. There's a big economic impact on this series.” Greenberg expressed to the SEN Radio while addressing the financial impact of the early finish.

Cricket Australia to lose million dollars post two-day Ashes 2025/26 opener finish

Foxtel reckoned that their broadcast on the opening day was the most-watched first day of a first history test. At the annual general meeting last month, CA announced a loss of $11.3 million and took some criticism from Cricket Victoria for the financial numbers.

“In a normal scheduling, you'd have the white-ball cricket as part of that [Test] tour, but that's being played in this financial year. We're in a position where it's a significant uplift, an over-$20 million improvement. If they were in the same financial year, you would have seen a different position.” Mike Baird, the CA chair, said after their meeting in October.

Both teams will now have nearly two weeks’ break heading into the second clash of the series at the Gabba in Brisbane. It will be a day-night contest starting on December 04 as Pat Cummins is expected to return to lead the home side.