December 31, Morning Brief: Today's top news and headlines from cricketing world

Navjot Sidhu and Travis Head. (Photo Source: X(Twitter and Cricket Aus)
1. 'I might need to utilize my privilege for free seating' - Dale Steyn looks forward to watching South Africa in WTC final at Lord's

Former cricketer Dale Steyn was elated with South Africa’s qualification in the WTC final as he jokingly mentioned using his privilege at MCC to get a free seat at Lord’s. (

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2. ‘Stringent punishment needs to be slapped on him’ - Navjot Singh Sidhu on Travis Head’s controversial celebration at MCG

Former India cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu called out Travis Head for his obnoxious celebration and called for a stringent punishment. ()

3. 'Of course he would like better performances' - Andrew McDonald comes to Mitchell Marsh's defence after poor performance

Australian coach Andrew McDonald has defended all-rounder Mitchell Marsh, who has faced significant criticism for his form during the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy.  (

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4. Zimbabwe, Afghanistan settle for dull draw in Boxing Day Test

The first Test between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe, at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, ended in a dull draw on Monday, December 30. ()

5. 'On the screen you can see he hit it' - Pat Cummins opens up on Yashasvi Jaiswal's dismissal in MCG Test

The Australian skipper opened up on the decision claiming that Jaiswal had hit it and also said that technology could not be trusted 100 per cent. (

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6. Who is Sharfuddoula Saikat? - All you need to know about third umpire who adjudicated Yashasvi Jaiswal's debatable decision

The third umpire of the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Sharfuddoula Saikat, caused a stir with his decision-making on Day 5 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). ()

7. Watch: Australian fan escorted out of MCG after allegedly hitting India supporter

In a video which has gone viral on social media, an Australian fan can be seen being escorted out of the iconic venue after allegedly hitting an Indian supporter. The person who uploaded this video said in her caption that the Aussie fan got "overwhelmed by emotions" before getting physical. (

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8. ‘He is mad’ - Steve Smith reflects on Sam Konstas’ on-field antics on Test debut

One of the most viral moments from the game came when 19-year-old Sam Konstas made his debut. Konstas put in an excellent performance in the first innings, scooping Jasprit Bumrah for sixes. ()

9. ‘There is no comparison’ - Sanjay Manjrekar picks Virat Kohli over Rohit Sharma 

Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar opined that there is a stark contrast between Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. (

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10. 'We wanted to fight till the end but unfortunately couldn't' - Rohit Sharma after Melbourne defeat

Despite being in a tricky situation, Indian captain Rohit Sharma expressed his team's intent to fight until the end and acknowledged the missed opportunities that ultimately cost them the match. ()