Australian cricketer booed by MCG crowd, Bancroft reveals why he tampered with the ball, and more - Cricket News Today, December 26 2018

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 highly-anticipated Boxing Day Test between Australia and India began today at the MCG in Melbourne. Virat Kohli won the toss and elected to bat first on a batsman-friendly pitch. Mayank Agarwal, who made his debut, was the top-performer for India on Day 1, with 76 runs to his name.

Cheteshwar Pujara too scored a patient half-century while Virat Kohli remained not-out on 47. India finally ended the day on 215-2. Apart from Mitchell Starc, who troubled the batsmen in the last session of the day, the Australian bowlers were not able to do much with the ball.

Moving away from the India-Australia Test, Dale Steyn made history during South Africa's successful outing against Pakistan in the Boxing Day Test.

Having said that, let's take a look at the top news from today:

#1 Mitchell Marsh booed by MCG crowd during Boxing Day Test

Mitchell Marsh, who replaced Peter Handscomb in the playing XI for the Boxing Day Test, was booed by the MCG crowd when he came on to bowl during the first day's play of the Test against India.

Travis Head, who spoke to the media after the end of the day, was clearly disappointed with what had happened.

"I don't think it's great," Head said.

"Obviously we've seen it with Kohli as well but for Mitch, who worked his bum off today, I thought he bowled exceptionally well. I thought he created pressure in tough conditions and fought really hard. I don't think any Australian cricketer in Australia deserves to be booed," he continued.

Marsh bowled 15 overs during the day and gave away just 23 runs at an economy rate of less than 2. However, he has not picked up a single wicket yet.

#2 Bancroft opens up about Sandpaper Gate incident

South Africa v Australia - 3rd Test: Day 3

Cameron Bancroft, one of the three banned cricketers from the infamous Sandpaper Gate incident, opened up about who asked him to carry out the action and also revealed why he did so.

"Dave (David Warner) suggested to me to carry the action out on the ball given the situation we were in the game and I didn't know any better," he told Fox Sports.

Bancroft, who is currently nearing the end of his nine-month suspension, revealed that he went ahead with tampering the ball in order to fit in and feel valued.

"I didn't know any better because I just wanted to fit in and feel valued really. As simple as that. The decision was based around my values, what I valued at the time and I valued fitting, you hope that fitting in earns you respect and with that, I guess, there came a pretty big cost for the mistake," he continued.

#3 Australian commentator insults Mayank Agarwal, apologises later

Mayank Agarwal

Australian commentator Kerry O'Keeffe took a dig at Indian debutant Mayank Agarwal and the Indian domestic cricket scene as well. While on air with Shane Warne and Mark Howard, Kerry said that Agarwal's Ranji Trophy triple-century came against 'some canteen staff or waiters,' in reference to the Indian domestic bowlers.

Agarwal, who made his debut against Australia today, was dismissed after scoring a well-crafted 76. The triple century which the commentator was referring to came against Maharashtra in 2017.

However, O'Keeffe later apologised for his comments on air.

"I was mentioning the runs Agarwal got in first-class cricket in India and there's been a reaction. There was no way I was demeaning the standard, it was tongue in cheek. There are lots of runs scored so apologies if anyone out there took offense," O'Keeffe was quoted as saying by news.com.au.

#4 Dale Steyn breaks all-time record

Dale Steyn

Dale Steyn finally became South Africa's leading wicket-taker in Tests, surpassing Shaun Pollock's tally of 421 Test wickets.

His achievement came against Pakistan in the ongoing Boxing Day Test being held in Centurion. His record-breaking wicket was that of Fakhar Zaman in the 7th over of the game. Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 181, with Steyn just picking up the one wicket of Zaman.

Cricketers from all around the world hailed Steyn for his achievement with the ball. The likes of AB de Villiers, Jacques Kallis, and Shaun Pollock himself heaped praise on the 35-year-old, who has been struggling with injuries of late.

#5 Ricky Ponting formally inducted into ICC 'Hall of Fame'

BKT & Cricket Australia BBL Partnership Launch

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting was formally inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame during the tea-break of the Boxing Day Test between Australia and India at the MCG.

He received his commemorative cap from Glenn McGrath. Ponting was inducted into the Hall of Fame during the ICC Annual Conference in July alongside India's Rahul Dravid and England's Claire Taylor, but could not attend the event.

Ponting led Australia to three World Cup titles - in 1999, 2003, and 2007.

"It's an incredible feeling, I think for it to happen here at the MCG is what makes the whole thing a little bit more special. I found out today I am one of 25 Australians to be inducted," said Ponting after being inducted.