Updates on IPL 2019 auction, Ishant Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja's on-field argument, and more- Cricket News Today, December 18 2018

Ishant Sharma
Ishant Sharma

Welcome to Sportskeeda's Cricket News Today, a section that covers a summary of the trending news topics of the day in the world of cricket.

The Australian cricket team did not take much time in the morning as they wrapped up India's lower order to win the 2nd Test by 146 runs, thus leveling the five-match Test series 1-1.

Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon split the five wickets amongst themselves and did not give India any chance to come near the 287 run target. The third Test will take place on Boxing Day(December 26) at the iconic MCG in Melbourne.

In other news, the IPL auction began today and has seen a lot of interesting buys so far. A lot of big names have gone unsold as well.

So, let's take a look at the top news from today:

#1 Watch: War of words between Ishant Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja

Indian pacer Ishant Sharma and substitute Ravindra Jadeja were involved in a heated argument on the field during the first session of the fourth day's play between Australia and India in Perth.

The duo were seen arguing for over 90 seconds and pointing fingers at each other. In the end, Kuldeep Yadav, who was carrying drinks to the field, and Mohammed Shami, who was getting ready to bowl, separated the two players.

Jadeja was rumoured to play the second Test after Ashwin was forced out due to an injury. However, India decided to go in with an all-out pace attack with Umesh Yadav replacing Ashwin.

#2 Rohit Sharma likely to head home mid-way through Test series

Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma

According to reports emerging from India Today, Indian batsman Rohit Sharma will head home mid-way through the Test series against Australia in order to be with his wife, Ritika Sajdeh, who is due to give birth to their first child soon.

Rohit suffered a minor back injury which forced him out of action from the second Test. He did not have a great outing in the first Test, scoring 37 in the first innings and just 1 run in the second innings.

Hanuma Vihari replaced Rohit in the second Test and will most likely continue to be a part of the playing XI for the third Test as well.

#3 Australia announce squad for remaining Tests

Australia v India - 2nd Test: Day 5
Australia v India - 2nd Test: Day 5

The Australian cricket team named an unchanged squad for the remaining 2 Tests against India. They came out on top against India in the second Test held in Perth, winning the match by 146 runs.

Nathan Lyon was the man of the match for his performance with the ball.

"Conditions are going to be different at the MCG than they were here and then in Sydney," said the Australia captain to the media.

"We will have to pick what we think is the best combination to win both of those Tests.

"If it's this XI then great. But if we have to make some changes I am sure will talk about that at some stage."

Australia squad: Tim Paine (captain), Josh Hazlewood, Mitch Marsh, Pat Cummins, Aaron Finch, Peter Handscomb, Marcus Harris, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Shaun Marsh, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc, Chris Tremain.

#4 IPL auctions concludes in Jaipur

Jaydev Unadkat
Jaydev Unadkat

The much-awaited IPL auctions took place in Jaipur and a total of 60 players were bought.

The first buy of the auction was Hanuma Vihari, who was sold to the Delhi Capitals for Rs 2 crores. Axar Patel, Carlos Brathwaite, and Shivam Dubey were sold for Rs. 5 crores while England's Sam Curran was sold to the Kings XI Punjab for Rs. 7.20 crores.

However, the biggest buys of the auction so far were Jaydev Unadkat and the uncapped Varun Chakravarthy, who were sold to Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab respectively for Rs. 8.40 crores each.

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Edited by Amar Anand