Injury update on Ashwin and Rohit, India's ODI and T20I squads announced, and more - Cricket News Today, 24 December 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.

There was quite a bit of domestic cricket action which took place today with the Ranji Trophy taking place in India and the Big Bash League taking place in Australia. The Big Bash League saw the Sydney Thunder defeat the Sydney Sixes and Hobart Hurricanes defeat the Melbourne Stars.

Meanwhile, Australia and India get ready to face off in the third Test of the four-match Test series, beginning on Boxing Day at the iconic MCG in Melbourne. The BCCI also announced the squads for the ODI series against Australia and New Zealand and the T20I squad for the tour to New Zealand.

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

#1 Injury update on Ashwin and Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma, who missed the second Test due to an injury, has been declared fit ahead of the third Test against Australia. Meanwhile, Ravichandran Ashwin has begun practising at the nets as well, much to the delight of the Indian fans.

Ashwin missed the second Test due to an abdominal strain. He was extremely effective in the first Test, picking up 6 wickets with the ball and contributing with the bat as well. However, it is not confirmed whether he will be completely fit in time for the 3rd Test.

On the other hand, Ravindra Jadeja too has been declared fit for the third Test. In case Ashwin is not fit, the team management might decide to go with either Jadeja or Kuldeep Yadav.

#2 India announce ODI and T20Is squads to face Australia and New Zealand

The BCCI announced the ODI squad for the three-match series against Australia and the five-match series against New Zealand, both which are scheduled to take place next month.

MS Dhoni makes a return to the T20I squad while Rishabh Pant and Manish Pandey miss out on a spot in the ODI squad. The ODI series against Australia will commence on January 12.

India’s ODI squad to tour Australia and New Zealand

Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli (C), Ambati Rayudu, Dinesh Karthik, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni (WK), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, Khaleel Ahmed, Mohammed Shami.

India’s T20I squad to tour New Zealand

Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli (C), Pant, Dinesh Karthik, MS Dhoni (WK), Kedar Jadhav, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Khaleel Ahmed.

#3 Mitchell Starc heaps praise on Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli

Amidst all the sledging and tension between the two dressing room, Aussie pacer Mitchell Starc hailed Virat Kohli as a fantastic captain.

Starc has been under Kohli during the IPL and remembered the time spent with him during the T20 tournament in India.

"I've played a couple of IPLs with Virat and he's been fantastic to play under, as a captain," Starc told reporters ahead of the Test.

"Obviously, he's a fantastic player. The way India play this series and go about their cricket, it's up to them."

Australia and India will face off in the third Test of the four-match series on December 26.

#4 Rahane confident of making century in Melbourne

Ajinkya Rahane

Indian vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane is extremely confident of scoring a century in the upcoming Boxing Day Test against Australia.

He has been in great form in the Test series so far, scoring two half-centuries. However, he is yet to reach triple figures.

"It [a century] will definitely come. I'm really sure it will come in this Test match. The way I am batting, from Adelaide to Perth, the mindset I was in to counter-attack and the rhythm I was batting in, maybe 100 or even 200 can come," Rahane told reporters ahead of the Test.

"I think it is more important for me not to think about it. I have to continue batting the way I am. I can read the situation a bit better and if I can play like that it will be better for the team. Personal milestones can be achieved later as well," he concluded.