Sport

Cricket This Week: Root Breakthrough, Starc Records and a Tightening WBBL Race

Joe Root’s first Test century in Australia, Mitchell Starc’s record haul and a bold Aussie selection call defined the Ashes week, alongside Shai Hope’s stand and a tense WBBL run-in.

Hamidur Rahim Mahir December 5, 2025 3 minutes read

Cricket’s first full week of December delivered major moments across formats. The Ashes dominated headlines in Australia, while strong narratives also emerged in New Zealand, India and the women’s game. With more marquee fixtures starting next week, the sport is shifting into a busy, high-stakes stretch.

Ashes 2025–26: Root’s Gabba century changes the mood

England’s Joe Root finally ended a long personal drought in Australia with a landmark century in the day-night second Test at the Gabba. It was his first Test hundred on Australian soil and his 40th overall. Root’s innings stabilised England after early damage under the lights.

The innings also carried symbolic weight. Root has been central to several Ashes campaigns, but this had remained a missing chapter in his CV. England fans saw it as a statement of class in hostile conditions.

Starc’s record and Australia’s selection debate

Mitchell Starc led Australia’s attack with a six-wicket haul and moved past Wasim Akram as the leading left-arm fast bowler in Test history. His pink-ball mastery again proved decisive in Brisbane.

However, Australia’s choice to omit Nathan Lyon for an all-seam attack sparked sharp debate. Observers questioned whether the balance was right on a surface that did not appear exclusively pace-friendly. As a result, selection strategy may become a bigger storyline than usual heading into Adelaide.

The Ashes schedule continues with the third Test at Adelaide Oval from 17–21 December.

New Zealand v West Indies: Hope fights a huge chase

In Christchurch, Shai Hope struck an unbeaten century as West Indies attempted an imposing chase after New Zealand set a record 531-run target. His calm approach and partnership support kept the contest alive late into the match.

New Zealand’s advantage remains significant, yet injury concerns to key players have added uncertainty to the series. That subplot could influence rotation and tactics across the remaining Tests this month.

India v South Africa: ODI series turns into a run-fest

India and South Africa produced another high-scoring thriller this week. South Africa levelled the three-match ODI series 1–1 with a successful chase of 359 in Raipur. Aiden Markram’s century anchored the pursuit and restored balance after India’s narrow win in the first ODI.

This series is also feeding into longer-term selection thinking ahead of the next global white-ball cycle. Meanwhile, India have named a T20 squad for the upcoming South Africa series, with key returns suggesting a renewed focus on power and versatility.

WBBL|11: Finals race tightens

The women’s domestic scene in Australia is reaching its most dramatic stage. Cricket Australia reports that the WBBL|11 finals race is set to go down to the wire, with several teams separated by a narrow points margin. The Hobart Hurricanes have already locked in top spot and earned hosting rights for the final.

The Knockout is scheduled for 9 December, the Challenger for 11 December, and the Final for 13 December. Those dates promise a concentrated burst of high-quality competition to close the tournament.

Big Bash countdown adds extra momentum

Attention will soon swing to the men’s BBL season, which begins on 14 December. With the Ashes and WBBL overlapping, Australia is entering a peak cricket window that will keep fans busy through January.

Featured Image: Cricket Australia